Periodontal (Gum) Disease
Your teeth are connected to your entire body. It is very important to have great home dental care as well as visit to Dr. Nugent and his great team.
Great oral health can boost your self-esteem and confidence.
Gum disease and cavities lead to problems such as unattractive smile, bad breath and even loss of teeth.
The bacterial infection and inflammation process of gum disease has many negative aspects. Gum disease can cause inflammation that can be directly associated with cardiovascular problems. This includes stroke and heart disease.
Help prevent dental problems with good home dental care.
Brush your teeth for 2 minutes, three times a day. The best time is after meals. Also, using an electric tooth brush can help the teeth and gum tissue stay healthy. Brushing your teeth reduces plaque build up and reduces your chance of developing cavities.
You only floss the teeth you want to keep! Flossing is vital because flossing can clean places your toothbrush can’t! Dr. Nugent knows this is the hardest recommendation to follow. But the potential damages caused from not flossing is to great. So keep some floss in your car, in your purse, at work, or in your backpack. That way you always have floss readily available.
Use a quality mouthwash. Dr. Nugent prefers Listerine mouth wash. Mouth wash helps kill bacteria.
Get minty fresh breath and fight gum disease!
Chewing sugar free gum when you can brush after meals is a great way to keep your teeth strong and healthy. The sugar free gum stimulates saliva. The saliva neutralizes acid from bacteria and washes bacteria away.
Periodontal disease is unfortunately very common. Make sure you dentist is current with the latest methods on treating periodontal disease. See why Dr. Nugent is a regional dental leader. Visit us at 3421 Burke Rd Ste A, Pasadena Texas 77504.
- Gum disease occurs when the tissue that surrounds and supports your teeth becomes inflamed.
- Gum disease is very common and chronic problem
- The early stage of gum disease is reversible
- Gum disease left untreated can lead to more serious gum disease, infection and tooth loss.
- Brushing your teeth and gums twice a day can help prevent gum disease.
- Visit your dental practitioner regularly to keep your mouth healthy.
Gum disease signs and symptoms include:
- Your gums are swollen and red.
- bleeding gums after tooth brushing
- Having poor breath or a bad aftertaste
- receding (drawing away from your teeth) gums
- vulnerable teeth
- loose or mobile teeth
What cause periodontal disease?
Plaque, a thick film of bacteria that collects on teeth and along the gumline, is what causes gum disease. Plaque contains microorganisms that irritate and make the gums more prone to bleeding.
If the plaque is not removed using a toothbrush, it hardens and aggravate the gums even more. ‘Calculus’ or ‘tartar’ are terms used to describe hardened plaque. It can only be eliminated by a dentist or hygienist.
Gum disease is more likely to affect you if you:
- smoke
- have poor home dental care
- have diabetes
- taking specific medications, such as those that produce dry mouth,
- are undergoing puberty or pregnancy
How Scaling and Root Planing Eliminates Periodontal Disease
At Michael Nugent DDS, we are committed to helping our patients achieve and maintain healthy gums. One of the most effective treatments for patients suffering from periodontal disease (gum disease) is a procedure known as Scaling and Root Planing. This non-surgical treatment is specifically designed to combat gum disease, restore gum health, and prevent further damage to your teeth and gums.
In this blog, we’ll explore what Scaling and Root Planing is, how it works, and how it can help eliminate periodontal disease for patients in Pasadena and Deer Park, Texas.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is a chronic infection of the gums and the structures that support your teeth. It typically starts as gingivitis, which involves inflammation of the gums due to the buildup of plaque and tartar. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress into periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease where the infection spreads to the bone and ligaments that hold your teeth in place. Over time, periodontitis can lead to gum recession, bone loss, and even tooth loss.
The good news is that Scaling and Root Planing is a highly effective treatment for stopping periodontal disease in its tracks and restoring the health of your gums.
What is Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and Root Planing is a deep cleaning procedure designed to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from below the gumline. It is a two-step process that goes beyond the routine cleaning you receive during your regular dental visits.
1. Scaling
During the scaling portion of the procedure, Dr. Nugent or one of our skilled dental hygienists will use specialized tools to remove plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth, especially from below the gumline and in the pockets that have formed due to gum disease. This deep cleaning process helps eliminate the bacteria that are causing the infection and stops the progression of the disease.
2. Root Planing
Once the scaling is complete, the root planing process begins. Root planing involves smoothing the root surfaces of your teeth to remove any rough areas where bacteria can accumulate. Smoothing the root surfaces also helps the gums reattach to the teeth, reducing the depth of the gum pockets and promoting healing. This part of the procedure is crucial for reducing inflammation and preventing future bacterial buildup.
How Scaling and Root Planing Eliminates Periodontal Disease
Scaling and Root Planing is highly effective in treating periodontal disease because it directly targets the underlying cause of the infection: bacteria and tartar buildup beneath the gums. By removing these harmful substances and cleaning the roots of the teeth, the procedure can:
- Stop the Progression of Gum Disease: By thoroughly cleaning below the gumline, scaling and root planing eliminate the bacteria responsible for the infection, stopping the disease from progressing further.
- Reduce Gum Inflammation: The removal of plaque and tartar reduces the inflammation in the gums, allowing them to heal and become healthier.
- Promote Gum Reattachment: By smoothing the roots of the teeth, root planing encourages the gums to reattach to the teeth, reducing the depth of gum pockets and preventing bacteria from re-entering these areas.
- Prevent Tooth Loss: Periodontitis is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Scaling and root planing help preserve the bone structure and support of the teeth, reducing the risk of losing teeth due to gum disease.
Why Early Treatment Matters
It’s important to remember that periodontal disease doesn’t just affect your oral health—it can also have serious implications for your overall health. Studies have shown that gum disease is linked to conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke, making it even more critical to treat gum disease as early as possible.
At Michael Nugent DDS, we encourage our patients to maintain regular dental checkups and cleanings so that we can detect and treat gum disease in its early stages. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to significant damage that may require more invasive treatments like gum surgery or tooth extraction.
Protect Your Smile with Scaling and Root Planing
If you’ve been diagnosed with periodontal disease, Scaling and Root Planing offers an effective, non-surgical solution to eliminate the infection, promote healing, and restore your gum health. At Michael Nugent DDS, we are dedicated to helping our patients in Pasadena and Deer Park, Texas achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of gum disease, such as bleeding gums, bad breath, or gum recession, contact our office today to schedule a consultation. Let us help you protect your smile and improve your oral health with advanced periodontal care!