Periodontal Services
During your cleaning, we will remove plaque and tartar deposits that have built up on your teeth over time. Your hygienist will also polish your teeth to make them look good and smooth. Plaque is a sticky film that forms on the teeth when bacteria in the mouth break down sugars and starches from foods. It causes the gums to become inflamed, red, swollen, and prone to bleeding. If left untreated, the plaque will harden into calculus or tartar. Only professional dental cleanings can remove tartar.
If you have signs of gingivitis, our dentist at Dental Specialists & Implant Center at The Woodlands, may recommend a deep professional cleaning to remove the harmful bacteria beneath the gum line. Once the infection is gone, you’ll need to maintain regular oral hygiene to prevent the return of gingivitis.
Periodontal Disease in The Woodlands, TX
The Causes of Periodontal Disease
Gum disease is caused when the mouth’s bacteria are allowed to build up along the gum line, creating plaque and tartar. If left untreated, gum disease can cause severe damage to the gums, teeth, and bone structure.
The Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
Patients who suspect they have periodontal issues should visit their dentist as soon as possible, as symptoms will only worsen without treatment. Symptoms include:
- Red and swollen gums.
- Bleeding while brushing or flossing.
- Chronic bad breath.
- Loose teeth.
- A receding gum line.
How Do You Treat Periodontal Disease?
When the gums are healthy, they fit tightly around each tooth. This helps to keep plaque and food out of the space between the teeth and gums, which protects the teeth and helps prevent tooth decay.
When bacteria is left on the teeth, the gums become inflamed. This leads to inflammation of the gum tissues, which is known as gingivitis. The early stages of gum disease can be reversed with a proper oral hygiene regimen that includes regular brushing with a toothbrush and flossing daily. If this treatment plan is not followed, the gum inflammation can worsen and eventually lead to tooth loss.
Gum disease is typically treated with nonsurgical therapy. This usually involves scaling and root planing. This is a deep cleaning that removes buildup from the teeth and the root surfaces. Once these parts of the teeth are cleaned, it is easier to keep the mouth clean and prevent further plaque buildup.
Our dentist can diagnose periodontal disease and recommend a treatment plan based on its severity. Visit Dental Specialists & Implant Center at The Woodlands at 3117 College Park Dr #230, The Woodlands, TX, or call (936) 231-8937 to schedule an appointment.
Periodontal Maintenance in The Woodlands, TX
Cleanings are vital to preventing gum disease, but so is periodontal maintenance. During your cleanings, your hygienist can focus on keeping your gums healthy. However, caring for your gums is up to you between your visits and these deep cleanings. This includes brushing twice daily, flossing once daily, and seeing your dentist regularly. You should also avoid sugary foods and drinks that can increase bacteria levels in your mouth. These tips are essential to prevent gingivitis or periodontitis, the two types of periodontal disease. If caught early, these conditions can be reversed with treatment from your oral healthcare professional. But if left untreated, they can cause irreversible damage like bone loss. That’s why it’s essential to maintain good oral health habits at home and maintain regular dentist visits at Dental Specialists & Implant Center at The Woodlands.
Why Should I Get Periodontal Maintenance?
Taking care of your teeth at home is essential, but it can’t replace professional cleanings. Bacteria hide in hard-to-reach places. A hygienist has the tools and experience to remove plaque without damaging your enamel and gums. Regular visits also allow your dentist to catch and treat issues before they cause permanent damage to your oral health.
What Causes Periodontal Problems?
Many factors can cause periodontal disease, including genetics and bad habits like tobacco use or a poor diet. However, the most common cause of gum disease is bacteria buildup on the teeth due to inadequate oral hygiene. When plaque is not removed with daily brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar and cause gum irritation and inflammation; a condition called gingivitis. When left untreated, gingivitis can develop into a more severe problem known as periodontitis. Symptoms of periodontitis include loose teeth and bad breath in addition to red, swollen gums that bleed while brushing or eating. Over time, it can break down the soft tissues and bones that support the teeth. This can lead to tooth loss if treatment isn’t provided.
What Does Periodontal Maintenance Involve?
Professional Cleanings
Also known as prophylaxis, these thorough teeth cleanings help patients maintain healthy teeth and gums by ridding the mouth of harmful bacteria, plaque, and tartar. During a professional cleaning, the hygienist inspects the mouth for signs of decay or gum disease to provide treatment if necessary.
Oral Hygiene Instructions
The dental hygienist teaches the patient proper brushing and flossing techniques to ensure that their at-home oral hygiene routine is effective. They also discuss other ways to improve oral health, such as quitting tobacco and avoiding sugary foods and drinks.
Visit Dentist The Woodlands, TX at Dental Specialists & Implant Center at The Woodlands at 3117 College Park Dr #230, The Woodlands, TX, or call (936) 231-8937 to prevent periodontal disease from developing and diagnose any current issues that might be brewing beneath the surface of the gums