Approximately 47.2% of Americans age 30 and older have periodontal disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Gum disease is caused by untreated plaque buildup. If our Grand Rapids dentists detect gum disease during your routine oral examination, they may recommend scaling and root planing or other gum disease treatments.
Early gum disease (gingivitis) can be reversed by practicing good oral hygiene and seeing your dentist every 6 months for a teeth cleaning and dental exam. Since it’s easy to overlook gum disease symptoms until it’s too late, it’s important that you see your dentist as recommended.
Gum disease symptoms include:
- Red, swollen, or sore gums
- Bleeding gums (especially when brushing or flossing)
- Loose teeth
- Bad breath
- Change in how your dentures fit
- Change in bite alignment
Scaling and Root Planing
If you have periodontal disease, your dentist may recommend scaling and root planing, which is a dental deep cleaning. People with periodontal disease often have deep gum pockets around their teeth, which fill up with food particles and plaque. Our dentist removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. Next, our dentist will smooth out your tooth roots to help your gums reattach to teeth. Many people with periodontal disease have receding gums, which compromises oral health.
Periodontal Maintenance
After gum disease treatment, your dentist will help you come up with an oral hygiene plan you can do at home. Our dentist will make sure you understand how to properly brush and floss your teeth. We may also recommend certain products known to help people with periodontitis.
Our dentists are dedicated to helping you regain oral health after gum disease. To schedule your appointment with one of our Grand Rapids dentists, call Contemporary Family Dental at (616) 209-3969.
