Fighting Gingivitis With a Deep Cleaning

March 2, 2021

Gingivitis and periodontal disease pose a serious risk for the health and comfort of your smile, and even the stability of your teeth! To reverse or manage these concerns, your Olathe, KS, dentists may suggest a deep cleaning. A scaling and root planing could restore health to your smile, and help preserve your teeth for years to come.

The Causes of Gingivitis

Gingivitis, or gum inflammation, occurs for a number of different reasons. For example, plaque buildup could accumulate on the smile due to infrequent bushing and flossing and a diet high in sugar and starch. The sticky layer could irritate and inflame the gingival tissues, causing them to appear red, feel sore, or even bleed easily. Other factors include inflammatory illnesses, the use of certain medications, a family history of poor periodontal health, or tobacco use. When you experience these warning signs, you should let us know right away. Otherwise, as the inflammation grows more severe, the tissues could pull away from the teeth and form pockets. Bacteria entering these pockets could then mean gum disease!

The Dangers of Periodontal Disease

While gingivitis can be reversed with treatment, periodontal disease cannot be cured. However, care is necessary to manage the issue and prevent the more advanced stages. Known as periodontitis, the advanced stage could mean adult tooth loss as the tissues connecting your teeth and gums become severed with time. In fact, this is the number one cause of adult tooth loss!

Scaling and Root Planing

A deep cleaning can reverse gingivitis or enable us to begin managing periodontal disease. The procedure involves using an ultrasonic scaler and manual tool to break up plaque and tartar from not only the surfaces of the teeth, but the roots as well. More involved than a routine cleaning, this could take between one and four visits to complete, depending on how severe your buildup actually is. We then polish the teeth and may recommend a routine cleaning every three to four months to better manage your periodontal health and preserve your smile.

Care From Home

You can also help protect your smile from home. Avoid tobacco products and also cut back on sugary and starchy foods and drinks, which could feed harmful bacteria. Start your day by brushing your teeth for two minutes, and then do the same before bed. We also suggest flossing before bed too! If you have any questions, then contact our team today.

Schedule Your Next Visit Soon!

We want to help people of all ages maintain healthy gums and avoid the onset of inflammation and disease. For more information on our professional cleaning visits, or to schedule a dental consultation, call E-Care Dentistry, PA in Olathe, KS, today at 913-210-1701. We also proudly serve patients from Overland Park, Lenexa, and all surrounding communities.