When you have gum disease, you have some degree of inflammation or infection of the gums supporting your teeth. Your gums succumb to disease when harmful plaque irritates the oral tissues and breaks down the tissues. Treatment options are determined by the severity of your condition, Regardless of the level of disease, recovery hinges on your at-home oral hygiene care.
Using fluoride toothpaste can support tooth enamel while brushing twice a day. Flossing daily will remove plaque between your teeth and around the gumline. Your at-home measures will be supported by professional dental cleanings to remove tartar.
Controlling the infection is paramount, as is keeping plaque from building up along the gum line and beneath it, especially if it forms pockets. Along with better oral hygiene, you will need to stop using tobacco products in any form, as they interfere with the cell function of the gum tissue. Improving your diet can also help, especially if you increase your vitamin intake, such as vitamin C which supports gum health.
Our dentist team aims to remove hardened plaque with a deep-cleaning method called scaling and root planing. Scaling scrapes tartar beneath the gum line as well as above it. Root planing smooths the rough spots situated on the tooth root, preventing bacteria from adhering to it. Scaling and root planing can also be performed using laser dentistry, which reduces bleeding, swelling, and discomfort. And finally, medications may be prescribed to halt the infection, and oral surgery may be needed.
To schedule a gum evaluation with our dentist, Dr. Mark Prosniewski, please call The Bartlett Dental Station in Bartlett, Illinois, at 630-837-2779 today.