Gum disease is a prevalent dental condition affecting your gums and teeth health. It can cause pain, swelling, bleeding in the gums, and several other serious problems. If left untreated, gum disease can contribute to tooth and bone loss and even be a risk factor for developing other severe health conditions. Fortunately, gum disease can be treated and prevented with the help of a dentist.
How Your Dentist Can Help with Gum Disease
Visiting your dentist is the most robust approach to diagnosing gum disease early and receiving the necessary treatment. Here’s how:
1. Diagnosing Gum Disease
The first step in ministering gum disease is to diagnose it. During a routine dental exam, your dentist will look for hints of gum disease. This includes redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums.
Your dentist may also use a special probe to measure the depth of the holes between your gums and teeth. Deeper pockets are a sign of more severe gum disease. Your dentist will also check for signs of infection and inflammation.
If you have signs of gum disease, your dentist may prescribe further tests to determine the extent of the disease. They may also take X-rays to check for signs of bone loss and to look for pockets in the gums where bacteria may have collected. This helps them to determine the best treatment plan for you.
2. Treating Gum Disease
Once your dentist has diagnosed your gum disease, they can provide appropriate treatment. Depending on the severity of your gum disease, the medicine may involve a combination of scaling and root planing, antibiotics, and possibly even surgery.
Scaling and root planing is a method that involves removing the plaque and tartar starting from above and below your gum line. This helps to reduce the buildup of bacteria and helps to stop the progression of the disease. Antibiotics may be prescribed to help reduce the infection. In more severe instances, surgery may be necessary to restore the health of the gums.
Gum disease can be a severe problem, but your dentist can help diagnose and treat it. Regular dental exams are the finest way to catch gum disease early and keep your mouth healthy. Talk to your dentist today if you have any concerns about gum disease.
3. Prevention of Gum Disease
Good oral hygiene is the most critical factor in preventing gum disease. Brushing teeth at least twice a day utilizing fluoride toothpaste and regular flossing at least once a day can help avoid the escalation of plaque on the teeth and gums. Additionally, you should use an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce bacteria that cause gum disease. Brushing and flossing thoroughly, especially around the gum line, can help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Regular professional cleanings are an essential part of keeping your gums healthy. Dentists and dental hygienists can remove plaque and tartar buildup that may have accumulated in hard-to-reach places, which can help reduce your risk of gum disease. It’s essential to visit your dental appointments at least twice a year, usually if your dentist recommends it.
Conclusion
It is essential to recognize that gum disease is a serious issue and should be addressed with professional help. By visiting your dentist regularly, you can ensure that any gum disease is detected and prevented early on. Your dentist can provide specific treatments, such as scaling and root planing, to treat and prevent gum disease.
Manassas Smiles is a full-service dental care clinic that offers a wide range of gum disease treatments to meet your dental needs. Our experienced and knowledgeable staff provides high-quality, individualized care that caters to each patient’s unique needs. If you’re seeking quality dental care in Manassas, VA, please contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment.
