The Importance of Periodontal Care
Periodontal (gum) care is an essential part of maintaining optimal oral health. When gum disease is left untreated, it can lead to gum recession, tooth loss, and other significant concerns. By trusting your periodontal care to the professionals at Feather Touch Dental Care in Atlanta, GA, you can achieve a healthy smile for years to come. To schedule a consultation and learn more, contact us today.
Caring for Your Periodontal Tissues
In order to maintain healthy teeth and gums, it is important that you undergo routine dental cleanings every six months. When you visit Feather Touch Dental Care for a biannual cleaning, our team will first examine your periodontal tissues and teeth to look for early signs of disease or decay. Next, we will remove any plaque that has built up on the surfaces of teeth. Additionally, these appointments allow us to draw your attention to any problem areas and provide tips to help you improve them. It is also crucial for patients to care for their gums at home by brushing and flossing after every meal, or at least twice daily. Flossing is an essential part of periodontal care because it helps to remove plaque bacteria between teeth. You can also use an antibacterial mouthwash to help kill bacteria in hard-to-reach areas.
Oral Health and Overall Health
Dr. Donald Ross of Feather Touch Dental Care in Atlanta, GA, discusses the importance of oral hygiene. Oral hygiene greatly affects overall systemic health. Dr. Ross encourages patients to brush, floss, and avoid sugary and acidic foods when possible.
How Does Gum Disease Develop?
In general, the progression of gum disease can be classified into three main stages:
- Stage 1 – Gingivitis: The first stage of gum disease, gingivitis, is characterized by a swelling of the gums, as plaque begins to irritate periodontal tissues. Furthermore, patients with gingivitis will often bleed during normal brushing and flossing.
- Stage 2 – Periodontitis: During this stage, the fibers and bones that support teeth will become damaged. Patients with periodontitis will usually begin to feel some discomfort or soreness in and around their gums, and some of their teeth may begin to loosen.
- Stage 3 – Advanced Periodontitis: Advanced periodontitis is the most serious form of gum disease. During this stage, a patient’s periodontal tissues will become severely damaged and broken down. Patients can begin to lose teeth and will likely have visible tissue damage and experience constant pain.
Treating Gum Disease
If you are experiencing symptoms of gingivitis or minor periodontitis, we can perform a deep cleaning to help prevent gum disease from advancing. During a deep cleaning, also known as a scaling and root planing procedure, your dentist will numb the treatment area before carefully removing plaque from the surfaces of teeth both above and below the gum line. Next, we will treat any pockets of bacteria with an antibiotic. More advanced cases of gum disease can require surgical treatment. If necessary, we can refer you to a periodontal specialist in the area.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
When you visit Feather Touch Dental, you will be treated as a member of our extended family. By maintaining proper periodontal care, you can avoid painful symptoms of gum disease and costly treatments. Reach out to our practice today to schedule an appointment.
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