At Tosh Dental Group, we offer complete periodontal care including deep cleanings and gum therapy. Healthy gums are necessary for healthy teeth. We know the gums are often overlooked in daily oral hygiene, so we make sure to check your periodontal health at every visit.
If you have noticed that you have bad breath, swollen or pink gums, or any tender gums, our periodontics treatments may be a great first step in treating your oral health.
Even with the most diligent efforts, brushing and flossing do not replace routine professional teeth cleanings. In some cases, bacteria in the gums cause infection and require additional treatment beyond routine professional cleanings. This is when gum therapy is necessary.
Dental Deep Cleanings and Gum Therapy
If he is worried about your gum health, Dr. Tosh may recommend a deep cleaning. A dental deep clean includes the scaling and planing of your gums. This removes plaque from the infected areas of your gums. The procedure is typically done in one visit. After the initial therapy, maintenance visits every 3 or 4 months ensure your gums continue healing.
Planing and scaling go under the top of your gums to get to the root of your tooth, which is where plaque and bacteria like to hide. We do this procedure under local anesthesia so you feel comfortable the entire time. Your gums may be swollen or red for a couple of days afterward, but long term, your gums should feel much better.
Gum Therapy and Your Health
It is important to maintain healthy gums to maintain healthy teeth. Gum therapy can be a preventative measure if you have concerns about your gum health, or it can treat gingivitis. Prevention of more severe periodontal diseases is essential for your quality of life because gum disease can cause:
- Bad breath
- Bleeding gums
- Tooth loss.
Gum therapy will also prevent cavities; removing plaque and treating infection can lessen the amount of cavity-creating stuff inside your mouth. All in all, the treatment is a great idea if you have concerns about your gum health.
Keeping Your Family’s Gums Healthy
As a parent, you have a lot to take care of. Oral health is just one of those things. If you are trying to keep your teeth and your family’s teeth healthy, here are some easy suggestions:
- Use fluoride toothpaste made for the treatment of gums.
- Incorporate bedtime and morning brushing routines into your lives—make it a family activity!
- If you notice that your child constantly has bad breath, call us and set up an appointment. Bad breath is a sign of poor gum health.
- Avoid lots of sugary or sweet snacks, especially right before bedtime!
Gum Disease Warning Signs
Be sure to be on the watch for periodontal disease warning signs, such as:
- Swollen or bleeding gums
- Gum discoloration, like pink or white
- Bad breath
- Tooth aches
- Pus or infection
If you see any of these signs in yourself or your child, contact us immediately to request a periodontal consultation! We have gum therapy options for every age and every level of concern. Depending on the needs of you and your family, we may recommend a simple cleaning or a full scaling and root planing session.
Solve Your Gum Problems Today!
It’s our goal to help you keep your teeth for a lifetime. Let’s partner against gum disease. Call today to schedule an appointment.