How to Protect Your Smile from Periodontal Disease

Did you know that almost half of the Americans over the age of 30 have periodontal disease? A report as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states the figures. The main cause of periodontal disease is lack of oral hygiene, which leads to build-up of plaque and tartar on teeth and gums.

The bacteria present in plaque irritate your gums causing bleeding. However, the dentist in Plano, TX, can help in protecting your smile from periodontal disease with the help of scaling and planing procedure. When the gum disease is in its early stage, it can be cured with good oral hygiene and professional teeth cleanings.

Protect Your Smile from Periodontal Disease

Let’s explore how dentist can help in slowing the progression of periodontal disease so that you can get good oral health.

Know the Signs of Gum Disease

The best way of treating gum disease is by detecting it in its early stage, which is only possible when you identify the signs of gum disease. Here’s a look at the symptoms:

• Tender or swollen gums
• Receding gums
• Perpetual bad breath
• Bleeding gums
• Loose teeth

Adopt a Thorough Oral Hygiene Routine

One of the main reasons for gum disease is not following a healthy oral hygiene routine. If you have gum disease, you need to brush and floss your teeth twice along with using a fluoride mouthwash. Removal of dental plaque is the right way of slowing the progression of gum disease. You must also see your dentist every 6 months for dental cleaning and examination and if required, the dentist near you may ask you to visit them more frequently.

Schedule an Appointment for Scaling and Root Planing

If you have periodontal disease, you will find gums starting to pull away from your teeth. The receding gums deepen the pockets around the teeth and get filled with plaque. However, the dentists can remove the plaque below the gum line with the help of scaling and root planing. The dentist will also smooth out tooth roots so that the gums may have better chances of reattaching to teeth.