Periodontal Care At Shoreline Dentistry, we offer comprehensive periodontal maintenance to keep your smile healthy, especially if your gum disease has progressed beyond gingivitis. Regular professional care from our dentist, combined with a consistent at-home oral hygiene routine, is essential to prevent tooth loss and ensure long-term oral health.What Is Gum Disease?Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an inflammatory condition that starts by affecting the gum tissue. If left untreated, it can worsen over time. The first stage is gingivitis, which causes the gums to become red, swollen, and inflamed. During this early stage, you may not experience pain or discomfort, but signs like bleeding when brushing or flossing are clear indicators that gum disease is present. Gingivitis is reversible with proper treatment from your dentist. However, if neglected, it can advance to periodontitis, which involves the erosion of gum tissue and the loss of bone support around the teeth. Once gum disease reaches this stage, it cannot be fully reversed. Treatment focuses on controlling the spread of the disease and preventing further damage to your gums and teeth. Signs You May Have Gum DiseaseThe earliest sign of gum disease is bleeding gums, particularly when brushing or flossing. As the disease progresses, you may notice additional symptoms such as:
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to seek dental care immediately to prevent the condition from worsening. What Is Periodontal Maintenance?Periodontal maintenance is a crucial aspect of treating gum disease, especially for those who have progressed beyond gingivitis. This deep cleaning process is designed to stop the disease from advancing further and is typically performed by a dentist or hygienist. The main components of periodontal maintenance include: Scaling and Root PlaningScaling and root planing is a deep cleaning technique that removes hardened plaque (also called tartar) from both above and below the gum line. Using specialized tools, including hand instruments or lasers, the procedure cleans deep into any periodontal pockets that have formed due to gum recession. By removing harmful bacteria, scaling and root planing help the gums reattach to the teeth, reducing the chances of bacteria buildup in the future. PolishingOnce the teeth are thoroughly cleaned, they are polished with a gritty toothpaste. This smooths the tooth surface, making it harder for bacteria to cling to your teeth and gums, which helps prevent future plaque buildup. Fluoride ApplicationThe final step of periodontal maintenance is the application of fluoride. This helps to strengthen tooth enamel and provide additional protection against bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. Fluoride also promotes overall tooth health, reducing the risk of further complications. Over 50 percent of adults in the U.S. are affected by periodontal disease. With a diligent daily oral hygiene routine and regular visits to the dentist, you can prevent gum disease from worsening. If you already have periodontal disease, maintaining these preventive measures will help manage the condition and keep it from advancing to more serious stages. Contact Shoreline Dentistry today to learn more about gum disease and periodontal maintenance. Call us at (609) 507-0800 to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward healthier gums and a brighter smile. |
 Office HoursMonday: 9:00am - 5:00pm Tuesday: 9:00am - 5:00pm Wednesday: 9:00am - 2:00pm Thrusday: 9:00am - 6:00pm Friday: Closed |
