A Deep Teeth Cleaning Can Improve Your Oral Health

Deep teeth cleaning can be used to treat and manage gum disease. Gum disease is an infection of gum tissues that has been linked to severe health issues like heart disease, strokes, and diabetes. It is caused by the bacteria in tartar and plaque as they build up in teeth pockets and on roots.

Periodontal disease primarily affects people over the age of 30, and it can be reversed in its early stage, gingivitis. Educating patients about proper hygiene habits and conducting teeth cleanings are typically enough to reverse gingivitis if patients are committed to improving their dental hygiene.

The advanced stage of gum disease, periodontitis, cannot be reversed, but treatments like deep teeth cleanings can be used to manage the infection and limit its progression. Periodontitis results in bone and gum structures in the mouth being destroyed, leading to teeth becoming loose or falling out of their sockets. It is the leading cause of adult tooth loss.

How deep teeth cleaning can improve your oral and overall health

Also known as root scaling and planing, deep teeth cleaning treatments are typically broken down into multiple segments to minimize discomfort. The procedure involves pulling back gum tissues so teeth roots and gum pockets can be cleaned. That often leaves patients dealing with soreness and discomfort for up to a week after getting the treatment.

Patients are injected with a local anesthetic at the start of the treatment so they do not feel pain as the dentist works. The discomfort typically starts when the anesthetic wears off. During the procedure, the roots of the patient’s teeth are thoroughly cleaned, and the remaining surfaces are also cleaned just like they are during regular teeth cleaning. Tartar deposits are removed from gum pockets, and medication might be inserted into them to fight the infection.

The patient’s teeth roots are then polished to make it harder for tartar deposits to build up on them. This also makes it easier to reattach the patient’s gum tissues. Simple things patients can do to make their recovery go more smoothly include:

• Avoid eating while under the influence of a local anesthetic. This can lead to a person accidentally biting soft tissues in the mouth like their cheeks
• Avoid foods that can irritate gum tissues after getting deep cleaning. Examples of such foods include acidic foods like citrus fruits, chewy foods like steaks, and foods with small bits that can get stuck under gum tissues like popcorn
• Use over-the-counter painkillers to manage any pain and discomfort experienced after the treatment. The discomfort should go away within a week
• Use antibiotics as prescribed. Treatments with antibiotics might not be effective if the schedule provided by the dentist is not followed
• Avoid brushing for the first 24 hours after getting a deep cleaning. Rinse with salt water after meals instead

Get gum disease under control

A deep cleaning helps to reverse and contain periodontal disease. Give us a call or visit our New Albany clinic to set up an appointment with our dentist.

Request an appointment here: https://riverfallsfamilydental.com or call River Falls Family Dental at (812) 962-7342 for an appointment in our New Albany office.

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