Gum disease is quite common and can affect people of all ages. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of adults in the United States aged 30 years and older have some form of it. In today’s blog, your Rochester, MN, dentist discusses the deep cleaning process and why it is necessary to prevent this aggressive disease.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Gum disease is commonly associated with poor hygiene practices. However, there are many other factors that can stimulate it. A few examples are smoking, hormonal changes, genetics, certain medications, poor nutrition, and chronic illnesses. It is vital to maintain dental check-ups and professional cleanings in order to treat or identify risk factors for periodontal disease. If the disease process is caught early, the damage can be reversible. However, if caught too late irreversible damage from bone loss can occur and it can even negatively affect your overall health.
Deep Cleaning Versus Regular Cleaning
If deeper pockets are present, regular cleanings will not be enough to get your gums back to health. Bacteria associated with periodontitis are aggressive and burrow deep into the gum pockets. As swelling and infection take hold, plaque and tartar continue to accumulate in these hard-to-reach areas. In order to treat and control the disease, the affected root surfaces and pockets must be debrided and cleaned out. Your dentist can numb your gums and provide nitrous oxide to keep you comfortable during the procedure. During a regular cleaning, the hygienist mostly focuses on the crowns of the teeth and doesn’t have to go deep into pockets in order to clean and smooth the root surfaces.
Periodontal Maintenance
After you’ve had a more severe form of periodontal disease it becomes extremely difficult to control the bacteria. Not to mention, pockets that are deep from bone loss will be very hard for you to keep clean on your own. Since bacteria tend to re-establish themselves quickly in deeper pockets, a three-month recall for cleanings becomes necessary to keep the infection arrested. Once you’ve established a healthy periodontium again, you may be able to return to a four-to-six-month cleaning routine.
Schedule Your Deep Cleaning Today!
If you would like to learn more about how we control periodontal disease, or if you wish to book an appointment at our location, call Greenview Cosmetic And Family Dentistry in Rochester, MN at (507) 281-3659.
