One of the most common problems adults face with their oral health is gum disease. Research statistics tell us that more than fifty percent of adults have some degree of gum disease, also referred to as periodontal disease. What is more alarming is that many of those who have gum disease do not even know it. When this problem in gum tissue first develops, the symptoms are so mild that they are typically only detected in a routine dental exam. If you do not visit your dentist regularly, you run the risk of allowing gum disease to advance.
Our goal in addressing gum disease is to do so in a preventive manner rather than a restorative one. You may wonder, “What will a dentist near me do for gum disease?” In our Scarborough, Pickering, and North York offices, we seek to quickly identify inflammation and disease in gum tissues so that we may decrease the risk of extensive damage.
Professional Cleanings And Gum Disease
Routine hygiene visits are recommended for people of all ages at six-month intervals. The routine cleaning in our office typically focuses on removing plaque and tartar buildup from tooth surfaces. In most cases, the hygiene visit is considered a preventive measure against dental problems. In the presence of gum disease, however, goals change and the method of cleaning changes as well.
As a form of management for gum disease, the hygiene cleaning becomes more extensive. Deep cleanings, also called scaling and root planing, may be performed under local anesthetic, as it is necessary to address areas beneath the gum line. Often, advancing gum disease will cause recession, in which tissue pulls away from teeth and pockets form, filling with bacteria and plaque. In a deep cleaning, periodontal pockets are cleaned and roots smoothed to encourage healthy reattachment.
Oral bacteria are natural. We expect to see a certain amount of bacteria in the mouth. When certain types of bacteria are allowed to proliferate, the mouth becomes overly acidic and at risk for gum disease. Likewise, oral acidity as a result of dietary habits can promote unhealthy bacteria, also increasing risks.
The team at Esquire Dental Centres is experienced in the various preventive and restorative treatments designed to keep teeth and gums in their healthiest condition. Give your smile the care it needs. Call one of our offices today for your appointment with our friendly, efficient team.
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