Our Dental Blog

How Do We Treat Gum Disease?

October 28, 2019

When we develop gum disease, treatment is needed to manage this disease and prevent serious complications, including adult tooth loss. But how does your Kansas City, MO, dentist treat gum disease and control such a serious oral health concern? In today’s blog, we’re going to talk about the importance of routine periodontal cleaning for people with poor gum health!

dental treatment

The Causes of Gum Disease

The issue begins with inflammation, also known as gingivitis. When our gums become inflamed, this can cause the tissues to pull away for the teeth and form deep pockets. Bacteria then enter these pockets and enable gum disease to form. While gingivitis can be reversed, there is no cure for periodontal disease and without treatment, the disease could reach the periodontitis stage, at which point the tissues connecting the teeth and gums become broken down, causing adult tooth loss! Factors behind inflammation include poor oral hygiene at home, lack of routine dental cleanings, smoking and tobacco use, inflammatory or prolonged illnesses, and taking certain medications.

Periodontal Cleaning

If you begin to experience the warning signs of gingivitis and periodontal disease, such as sore, red gums that bleed easily, then let us know right away. In order to reverse gingivitis and manage gum disease to prevent periodontist, we may offer a dental cleaning. Like a routine cleaning, this is designed to remove plaque buildup from the teeth. However, a periodontal one is a more thorough procedure, in which we remove buildup on the teeth with an ultrasonic scaling device, and also smooth the root surfaces. The procedure can take one visit, or up to four, depending on the extent of your plaque buildup. Healthy tissues can then adhere to the teeth, closing periodontal pockets and managing the disease successfully.

Protecting Your Smile At Home

You can also protect your gums by brushing your teeth when you wake up and again before going to bed, for two minutes each session. You also need to floss your teeth before bed to remove trapped food particles. Every six months, be sure to see us for a regular dental cleaning so we can remove the buildup and prevent inflammation and disease. Also, try to avoid tobacco products and always let us know if you experience changes to your gum tissue. If you have any questions or concerns, then please contact our team today to learn more. We want to help you enjoy optimal oral health for many years to come!

Do Your Gums Bleed Easily?

Don’t ignore the common warning signs of periodontal trouble, please see us right away for a diagnosis. To learn more about our deep cleanings and other preventive treatments, then please schedule a consultation by calling Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Kansas City, MO, today at 816-427-4018.