Some of the most notable signs of gum disease include pink or red gums, swelling or inflammation, or bleeding that occurs when brushing or flossing your teeth. If these signs are present, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist. If they determine that you have the earliest stage of this condition, they may recommend gum therapy. Read on to discover a little bit more about this dental procedure.
What Is Gum Therapy?
Gum therapy is used to remove plaque and tartar buildup below your tooth line or in the pockets of your gums that hold your teeth. Regular brushing does not clean that area. Flossing only minimally reaches this spot. If you are showing signs of gum disease, these pockets need to be cleaned to remove the germs, bacteria, and build-up that can eventually lead to gingivitis.
How Does Gum Therapy Work?
Three different techniques can be used to clean the pockets surrounding your teeth. The first is the least invasive. It is an antibiotic cream treatment that is prescribed by a dentist. The second is referred to as scaling and root planing. It involves scraping away the plaque and build-up to remove it. The last is the newest method. It is a laser treatment that targets inflamed areas, killing bacteria and removing dead tissue growth in the area.
Why Is Gum Therapy Important?
Think about what is holding your teeth in place. That’s right; it’s your gums. According to the CDC, over 45% of adults over the age of 30 show signs of gum disease. When the disease is left untreated, it can cause your gums to recede. And since it holds your teeth in place, receding gums can cause your teeth to loosen or fall out. Also, gum issues have been linked to an increase in heart disease and strokes, so dental health is more important than most people realize.
Gum disease is affecting more people, and in turn, the number of people who undergo this type of therapy is increasing. Despite this, it is still a term that many people are unfamiliar with. If you have early warning signs of gum disease, you should see a dentist to find out if this treatment is recommended for you. Call our office to schedule an appointment today.