Some of the symptoms of gum disease include swollen, tender and red gums, and gums that bleed when you brush or floss. If your gum disease is left untreated, you may experience lost teeth, bad breath and issues with your jaw. However, gum disease can also allow bacteria to enter your body and could cause problems for respiratory and cardiac systems. If caught early enough, your dentist can treat your gum disease before it becomes a serious problem.
The primary cause of gum disease is a buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth. When this happens, it causes your gums to swell. That allows more plaque to accumulate below your gums, which in turn allows bacteria to enter your system. One way that your dentist can address this problem is through scaling and root planing.
Scaling and root planing is a two-step process that take may require two visits, and the use of a local anesthetic. First, the dentist will scale your teeth, using an instrument to remove the plaque and tartar above and below the gumline. Then, he will clean and smooth the roots of your tooth, so that they will have a healthy attachment to your jaw.
If you have any of the symptoms of gum disease, or if it has just been a while since you have had a routine cleaning and exam, our dentist would love to see you! If you live in the Orlando, Florida, area and would like to make an appointment at Orlando Periodontics & Implants, call 407-277-3300 today.