In this article, we discuss whether scaling and root planing prevent gum disease. Additionally, we discuss preventive measures for gum disease, such as dental cleanings and improved oral hygiene, and treatment options.
Does Scaling and Root Planing Prevent Gum Disease?
Gum disease is also called periodontal disease. It is a chronic inflammatory condition typically caused by bacteria.
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning, during which your dentist removes plaque and tartar from enlarged periodontal pockets (spaces where the gum tissue is attached to the teeth) and smooths tooth roots. As a result, the gums are prompted to reattach to the teeth, and the inflammation caused by bacteria is reduced.
Scaling and root planing are not required as a preventive measure against gum disease when your gums are healthy. This procedure is used to treat already existing gum disease and prevent it from progressing further.
Signs that you have periodontal disease that might require scaling and root planing include:
- Gums that bleed often when you floss and brush your teeth
- Receding gums (the condition when gums pull away from your teeth)
- Swollen, red, or darkened gums
- Persistent bad breath and unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Pimples on the gums or pus in periodontal pockets
How to Prevent Gum Disease
As we mentioned before, gum disease is typically caused by bacteria that live in plaque and tartar that accumulate on your teeth. Thus, the most important step in gum disease prevention is improved oral hygiene. To make sure that your oral hygiene routine is effective, we recommend adhering to the following steps:
- Brush your teeth for 2 full minutes twice a day, and do not eat anything after brushing in the evening.
- Make sure to clean well at the back of your mouth and along the gumline.
- To clean along the gumline, choose a soft or medium soft toothbrush and hold it at a 45-degree angle to your gums.
- Floss your teeth thoroughly every evening, making sure to clean each tooth on both sides.
- Use a water flosser as an additional step in your routine. Start the evening routine by water flossing, then floss and brush traditionally. A water flosser is an effective tool for preventing gum disease when used correctly. Remember that it can not replace traditional flossing and brushing, but should be used in addition to them.
- Make sure to visit your dentist twice a year for professional cleanings and fluoride treatments to remove tartar, reduce bacteria, and strengthen your tooth enamel.
Gum Disease Treatment Methods
As we discussed before, scaling and root planing are among the treatment methods for gum disease. However, it is used when gum disease advances from its earliest stage, called gingivitis, to periodontitis.
Gingivitis is typically treated with improved oral hygiene, regular dental cleanings, and, in some cases, anti-inflammatory medication.
Apart from scaling and root planing, other methods of periodontitis treatment include:
- Medications, such as prescribed topical antibiotics, antiseptic rinses, and systemic antibiotics
- Laser procedures aimed at periodontal pocket size reduction and disinfection (often used along with scaling and root planing)
- Surgical periodontal pocket reduction
- Bone and gum grafting and guided tissue regeneration are used when gum disease causes damage to these tissues
Receive High-Quality Dental Care at TruGlo Modern Dental Beverly Hills
If you notice signs of gum disease, do not hesitate to make an appointment with an experienced dentist at TruGlo Modern Dental Beverly Hills today. Remember that gum disease always requires prompt treatment. We are looking forward to your visit.
