Gum disease is not just an annoyance. Depending on the severity, gum disease can cause problems with your oral health but also your overall general health.
Early signs of gum diseases may include bad breath that won’t go away, red, tender, swollen, or bleeding gums, even loose and/or sensitive teeth.
If you live in Avon, IN and are showing symptoms of gum disease, you should seek help from Associates in Family Dentistry. And you should do it sooner than later.
Gum disease is usually caused by poor oral hygiene habits. What happens is that bacteria that causes gum disease and tooth decay get trapped in plaque, which is an invisible sticky substance that adheres to your teeth and gums. Over time, it hardens and turns into calculus or tartar.
Fortunately, there are options your Avon dentist and dental hygienist can recommend to alleviate your gum disease and stop its progress. One of those options is known as scaling and root planning.
Scaling and root planning sounds complicated and possibly even a little scary, but it is actually a very thorough cleaning procedure your hygienist at Associates in Family dentistry can do for you. Scaling refers to the removal of tartar from above and below the gum line using hand instruments or a sonic device. Root planing refers to the smoothing of the tooth root. Once this has been done, your Avon dentist may apply antibiotics directly to the cleaned area to remove any infection.
Because the American Dental Association generally recommends less invasive treatment options as a first choice whenever possible, your Avon dentist will probably do a scaling and root planning procedure before recommending any further action. However, if the gum disease is seriously advanced, your Avon dentist may recommend more intensive options.
You should not ignore gum disease. In fact, some studies suggest people with gum disease are at higher risk for other seemingly unrelated medical complications, such as heart disease.
If you live in Avon, IN and you think you may have gum disease, consider contacting Associates in Family Dentistry at 317-272-2700.