Do Bleeding Gums Mean You Need Periodontal Cleanings?
July 24, 2019
Over time, poor oral hygiene and other factors could leave Kansas City, MO, residents with a high risk of developing gum disease. To address the problem in the inflammation stage, or manage the disease successfully, we may suggest a periodontal cleaning. When do people need to seek a scaling and root planing, and what benefits will periodontal cleanings offer?
The Warning Signs of Gum Disease
If you notice your gums appear more red than pink, or that they feel sore or bleed easily when you brush or floss, please let us know right away. These warning signs could indicate the presence of gingivitis or possibly even the early stages of gum disease. Periodontal issues occur when the gums become inflamed and treatment isn’t rendered in a timely manner, enabling a disease to develop that has no cure. Routine care will be necessary to manage gum disease and prevent periodontitis, the advanced stage responsible for adult tooth loss. Don’t ignore soreness, redness, or bleeding. Talk to your dentist!
Scaling and Root Planing
A periodontal cleaning, also known as a scaling and root planing, involves the dentist using an ultrasonic scaling device to remove all plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth and the roots. A bacterial byproduct, plaque irritates the gum tissue. The procedure can take one visit to complete, or up to four, depending on the extent of your buildup. Following the procedure, we thoroughly polish your teeth, just as we do in regular dental cleanings. We will recommend routine dental cleanings every three to four months afterward, which help us manage the disease and safeguard your smile against the risk of periodontitis and tooth loss.
Routine Maintenance
In addition to seeing us for a scaling and root planing and routine cleanings, you also need to care for your smile from home, which helps limit how much plaque can accumulate in between dental visits. You should brush your teeth twice a day, once when you wake and again before going to bed. We also recommend flossing before going to bed. Try to cut back on sugary foods and drinks, which can help feed harmful oral bacteria and enable plaque to form. To reduce the risk of inflammation, be sure you avoid cigarettes and other tobacco products. If you have any questions abut caring for your smile, or about our periodontal cleanings, then contact our team today. We want to help your smile remain gum disease free!
Ready for a Periodontal Cleaning?
Don’t let gum disease thrive and threaten the stability and beauty of your smile. To learn more about our treatment options for managing periodontal health, then please schedule a consultation by calling Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Kansas City, MO, today at 816-427-4018.