General Dentistry Procedures to Improve Your Gum Health

General dentistry focuses on issues that can help to improve your oral health. Gum disease is one of the most common reasons people seek dental treatment, right next to tooth decay. It is an infection of gum tissues that can affect anyone regardless of age, but it primarily targets people over 30.

Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease, and it can be reversed by improving your oral hygiene and getting regular teeth cleanings. Periodontitis is the second stage of gum disease, and there is no way to reverse it. It can only be managed with dental treatments.

Given how gum disease can be reversed in its early stages, early detection goes a long way. The advanced stage of gum disease is linked to serious health issues like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. It is also the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

General dentistry treatments that improve gum health

Here are some of the treatments used in general dentistry to protect gum tissues from the bacteria in tartar and plaque:

1. Teeth cleanings

The American Dental Association recommends getting teeth cleaned twice a year. That combined with good oral hygiene goes a long way when it comes to keeping gum tissues healthy. Gum disease is caused by the bacteria in plaque and tartar making their way below the gumline. The bacteria infect tissues below the gums, prompting a response from the immune system.

The ensuing battle between the invading bacteria and antibodies dispatched to the area leads to the gum irritation and inflammation associated with gum disease.

Plaque and tartar contain oral bacteria and the acids they produce. Plaque can be removed from teeth and gums by brushing and flossing, but getting rid of tartar is not that easy. Tartar is calcified plaque, and a metal tool called a scaler and ultrasonic tools are needed to get it off teeth. That means tartar gets to build up on teeth and gum pockets between teeth cleanings. Teeth cleanings are mainly performed as a preventative treatment, but they can be used to treat gingivitis.

2. Root scaling and planing

This treatment is often recommended for more advanced cases of periodontal disease, and it can help reverse gingivitis. Also known as deep cleaning, the procedure includes all the things that go on during regular teeth cleanings. It also involves cleaning teeth roots and removing tartar deposits from them. The dentist finishes the procedure by polishing teeth roots to make it harder for new tartar deposits to buildup on them.

3. Antibiotic treatment

Dentists sometimes help to address inflammation and plaque deposits underneath the gums with prescription antibiotics like minocycline HCL. These antibiotics are often placed inside periodontal pockets to kill bacteria that cause gum disease.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Google: General Dentistry Services in Port Charlotte, FL

Your gum health affects your overall health

People with gum disease are up to three times more likely to have a significant cardiovascular event like a heart attack. Call or visit our Port Charlotte clinic to learn more about treatments our dentist can use to keep your gum tissues healthy.

Request an appointment or call Dragonfly Dental of Port Charlotte at 941-676-9225 for an appointment in our Port Charlotte office.

Related Posts

Are General Dentistry Checkups Necessary?

For some people, the thought of general dentistry can cause fear and nervousness. Dental anxiety is a real issue that can trouble people of all ages. Other patients put off these visits due to financial worries or simply because they do not make time for such appointments. You should never neglect your dental needs. Checkups…

Improve Your Oral Health With These General Dentistry Procedures

When patients visit the general dentistry office, the goal is to keep their oral health excellent. The appointment may be nothing more than a professional dental cleaning and getting instructions on proper oral health so long as there are no oral issues. If dental problems are to be addressed, the dentist will recommend the appropriate…

A Guide To General Dentistry Services

General dentistry encompasses a wide range of dental operations with the primary objective of preserving your natural teeth. Since the general dentist is your first line of defense against potential oral health problems, it is essential to go for a dental appointment at least twice yearly.The following are common general dentistry services:When the tooth pulp…

Dr. Matthew Navidomskis

Share
Published by
Dr. Matthew Navidomskis

Recent Posts

Improve Your Mouth’s Functionality with Dental Implants

Dental implants are devices, usually made with titanium, that fuse with the jawbone and replace…

3 days ago

FAQs – Invisalign for Teeth Straightening

Invisalign® is popular because it offers a great way to achieve a straighter and more…

3 days ago

Professional Teeth Whitening to Improve Your Smile

Professional teeth whitening treatments are one of the most effective ways to improve the way…

2 weeks ago

Common Procedures in Cosmetic Dentistry

Here are the common cosmetic dentistry procedures that you should consider.

2 weeks ago

Improve the Alignment of Your Teeth with a Smile Makeover

Getting a smile makeover could be one of the most important decisions you make. It…

2 weeks ago

Can a Smile Makeover Correct Dental Imperfections?

Having a smile makeover is something that many people want from the dentist. Because a…

2 weeks ago