General dentistry focuses on issues that can help to improve your oral health. Gum disease is one of the most common reasons people seek dental treatment, right next to tooth decay. It is an infection of gum tissues that can affect anyone regardless of age, but it primarily targets people over 30.
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease, and it can be reversed by improving your oral hygiene and getting regular teeth cleanings. Periodontitis is the second stage of gum disease, and there is no way to reverse it. It can only be managed with dental treatments.
Given how gum disease can be reversed in its early stages, early detection goes a long way. The advanced stage of gum disease is linked to serious health issues like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. It is also the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
Here are some of the treatments used in general dentistry to protect gum tissues from the bacteria in tartar and plaque:
The American Dental Association recommends getting teeth cleaned twice a year. That combined with good oral hygiene goes a long way when it comes to keeping gum tissues healthy. Gum disease is caused by the bacteria in plaque and tartar making their way below the gumline. The bacteria infect tissues below the gums, prompting a response from the immune system.
The ensuing battle between the invading bacteria and antibodies dispatched to the area leads to the gum irritation and inflammation associated with gum disease.
Plaque and tartar contain oral bacteria and the acids they produce. Plaque can be removed from teeth and gums by brushing and flossing, but getting rid of tartar is not that easy. Tartar is calcified plaque, and a metal tool called a scaler and ultrasonic tools are needed to get it off teeth. That means tartar gets to build up on teeth and gum pockets between teeth cleanings. Teeth cleanings are mainly performed as a preventative treatment, but they can be used to treat gingivitis.
This treatment is often recommended for more advanced cases of periodontal disease, and it can help reverse gingivitis. Also known as deep cleaning, the procedure includes all the things that go on during regular teeth cleanings. It also involves cleaning teeth roots and removing tartar deposits from them. The dentist finishes the procedure by polishing teeth roots to make it harder for new tartar deposits to buildup on them.
Dentists sometimes help to address inflammation and plaque deposits underneath the gums with prescription antibiotics like minocycline HCL. These antibiotics are often placed inside periodontal pockets to kill bacteria that cause gum disease.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Google: General Dentistry Services in Bethesda, MD
People with gum disease are up to three times more likely to have a significant cardiovascular event like a heart attack. Call or visit our Bethesda clinic to learn more about treatments our dentist can use to keep your gum tissues healthy.
Request an appointment or call Villa Dental at 301-409-3583 for an appointment in our Bethesda office.
General dentistry practitioners know that loose teeth in youngsters are common and cause little worry since the problem is with the "baby teeth." If you have a loose tooth or one of your children has a loose adult tooth, you may need to visit the general dentistry office to save it. Continue reading to discover…
When you think of general dentistry, you may first think of teeth cleanings, examinations, and fluoride treatments. While these are typical services at the dentist’s office, treatments for more serious issues are common too. If you have a damaged tooth, you may be in pain and may be prone to getting infections or cavities. The…
Dry mouth can be connected to many different health-related issues, but did you know it can also create long-term problems in general dentistry? Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, can be triggered by both temporary and permanent factors.Whether it is linked to medication, age, radiation therapy, or a condition with your salivary glands, it can…