Gingivitis and periodontitis can be stopped in their tracks with early treatment.

If you think you are dealing with gum disease, you’re not alone! This condition impacts millions of Americans. In fact, the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that almost 50% (47.1%, to be precise) of adults in the United States suffer from periodontitis to some degree.

Our hometown dental office is committed to providing you and your family with the best care so you can enjoy sparkling smiles for years to come. Here, we address how a dental deep cleaning can help stop the progression of gum disease and how this type of periodontal therapy can give your mouth a healthier future.

What causes gum disease?

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, occurs when pockets of bacteria form around the gumline, leading to gingivitis. Over time, if early periodontal disease is left untreated, the bacteria becomes a sticky white substance known as plaque. As more time passes, plaque hardens into a yellow material known as tartar.

Although periodontitis can be genetic and certain people are more prone to this condition, it often occurs when there is a failure to practice proper dental hygiene for an extended period of time. This may include not brushing or flossing, or not visiting your local dentist on a regular basis.

Bleeding gums is one of the first telltale signs of gum disease at any stage.

The best way to stop bleeding gums is to see a caring, knowledgeable dental professional to learn more about the periodontal therapy you need. While noticing blood when you brush your teeth can be alarming, our dental team will ensure you receive the best possible care.

What is deep cleaning vs. regular cleaning?

If you’ve never had a dental deep cleaning before, you might be wondering how it differs from a regular cleaning at your community dentist office.

To fully understand the treatment, it is important to be aware of the potential consequences of untreated periodontitis. When the condition is not stopped, gum tissue can recede, bone can wear away, and, eventually, teeth can loosen and fall out.

Thankfully, these extreme circumstances are largely preventable, thanks to the deep teeth cleaning process. In short, since deep cleaning is specifically meant to halt the progression of gum disease, it is significantly more intensive than the traditional teeth cleaning process.

There are two stages to deep cleaning: scaling and root planing. Depending on the severity of your gum disease, your Middletown, OH, dentist may perform these steps in one appointment or multiple appointments.

What is the deep cleaning process?

Scaling

Dental scaling is the process by which a dentist or dental hygienist removes all the plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from a patient’s teeth, both above and below the gumline. The process involves removing bacteria all the way to the bottom of the “tooth pocket.”

Your dental professional may use manual hand instruments, ultrasonic tools, or a combination of the two to provide you with the best outcome.

Root planing

After the scaling process is finished, your dentist or dental hygienist will perform the root planing step of deep cleaning. Root planing involves further scaling of the root surface of the tooth, smoothing it out to help prevent bacteria, plaque, and tartar buildup from recurring.

Smooth root surfaces are the first defense against gum disease. Root planing also reduces inflammation, allowing gum tissue to more firmly reattach itself to a patient’s teeth.

In some cases, dentists use topical medication during the root planing process to prevent immediate infection.

Following a dental deep cleaning at our Middletown, OH, office, you will be scheduled for at least one follow-up appointment to assess your progress. Furthermore, it is crucial to make regular appointments for cleanings after your periodontal treatment is complete.

Note that the cost of deep cleaning can vary depending on how many sessions you need for your specific situation. Many dental insurance companies cover this procedure, so call your agent to discuss your coverage.

How do I prevent gum disease in the future?

Our caring community dentist office is committed to helping you achieve your best oral health, no matter how long it has been since you visited a dental professional. Whether it’s been one year, seven years, or 20 years, our team is here to help you every step of the way as you work toward oral wellness.

Some helpful tips for preventing the recurrence of gum disease include:

• Brush your teeth at least twice daily.
• Choose a toothpaste that features the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance for effectively fighting gingivitis and plaque.
• Floss at least once daily.
• Use antibacterial mouthwash to kill unwanted bacteria.

Although anesthesia is often used to numb patients during the dental deep cleaning process, it is not uncommon to experience pain for a few days afterward. Remember, though, that this discomfort is worth it to put you on the path to excellent oral health.

Great Miami Dental is your partner in oral health.

If you are interested in scheduling an appointment with Great Miami Dental Care in Middletown, OH, contact our office today. Our entire team is committed to building a nurturing community in which all patients feel comfortable and supported. We look forward to helping you regain a healthy and happy smile.