Many people unfortunately suffer from gum disease in the United States. This disease is widely prevalent because it goes unnoticed majority of the time because signs tend to be missed until they have gotten worse. This allows the disease to flourish, and could even spread through the body, causing major overall health issues. Because of all of the issues that gum disease can cause, it is important to have your dentist assess your oral cavity, and potentially undergo a scaling and root planing treatment.
Scaling and root planing is when your dentist conducts a deep cleaning, which happens below the gum line. Plaque and bacteria tend to settle in between teeth, and areas that are not usually cleaned. When it continues to be left untouched, the debris continues to push lower and lower. Removal of any plaque and bacteria that may have settled is important to fully remove, so your condition does not worsen. If the unwanted debris remains in place and continues to build up, you risk your soft tissue receding, your gum line loosening and even losing teeth affected by the debris.
After the scaling and root planing procedure, your gums may be tender and swollen for a few days. It is important to maintain your oral health during the healing period. To clean your mouth and the sites, your dentist will most likely provide a mouth rinse which will prevent any infection from forming in the open areas.
Continuing your oral hygiene routine is important, even after all of the healing is completed. You should always remember and make it priority in your day to brush and floss your teeth, twice a day. It is also a good idea to rinse your mouth, when you can, after meals, to ensure you rinse away any leftover food that may begin to settle in between the teeth.
If you are in agony because of your gum disease, it is important for you to get in contact with your dental professional team. Scaling and root planing may be extremely beneficial to ensure you have supremely cleaned teeth from the plaque and bacteria that may have settled under your gum line. Contact your dentist and their team to schedule an appointment.