Gum Disease Treatments
Gum disease can cause problems like gum recession, loose permanent teeth and tooth loss. Practicing good gum disease prevention can help you avoid gum disease. If you do get gum disease, it’s important to see your dentist in Westlake, OH and maintain good oral hygiene habits. The dental professionals at Walter R. Below DMD offer effective gum disease treatment in Westlake.
Signs of Gum Disease
Symptoms of gum disease can be difficult to identify in the early stages, because the signs are subtle in the beginning. Watch for bright red, puffy gums, and bad breath. Your gums will bleed when you’re brushing your teeth, too. If you notice these problems in your teeth, talk to your dentist to find out if you have gum disease. Some other signs of a problem include:
- Discomfort in your mouth
- Gum recession
- Missing or loose teeth
- Shifting teeth in the mouth, so the teeth no longer fit together well as they used to
You may also have gum disease if you find that you have bad breath, even after brushing your teeth well.
Gum Disease Prevention in Westlake, OH
There are many things you can do to prevent gum disease. Start by brushing your teeth twice daily – once n the morning and once in the evening before bedtime. Floss your teeth once daily, at least, or more often if desired. Talk to your dentist to find out best practices for brushing and flossing your teeth. Your dentist can show you how it’s done.
Finally, visit your dentist twice per year for a general cleaning. Seeing your dentist twice annually will help control bacteria in your mouth.
How Your Dentist Treats Gum Disease
When you come to Walter R. Below DMD for gum disease treatment in Westlake, OH, there are many potential treatments your dental professional may use. Some methods of eliminating gum disease include:
Teeth Cleaning
Getting your teeth cleaned twice annually can help fight mild forms of gum disease (gingivitis). Your dentist will evaluate your gum disease to determine whether this is adequate treatment for you. If it isn’t, your dentist will let you know.
Scaling
Tooth scaling is a procedure that your dentist will use to remove infection. During this process, your dentist will scrape away the bacteria from your tooth roots. Scaling is done just below the surface of the gums.
Root Planing
When your dentist performs root planing, they will smooth the surface of your tooth roots to prevent bacteria from building up there. Root planing makes it easier to keep the roots of the teeth clean.
Your dentist at Walter R. Below may recommend a combination of these treatments. To find out if you have gum disease and how it should be treated, contact your dentist at Walter R. Below DMD. We’ll be happy to provide you with help for your gum disease.
Contact Walter R. Below DMD for Gum Disease Treatment
Don’t let gum disease linger in your mouth, or you could lose one or more of your permanent teeth. To get the treatment you need, contact Walter R. Below DMD to make an appointment. We’ll be happy to help.