Gum Disease Therapy
Gum Disease is preventable and Reversible in most cases!
Gum (periodontal) disease is a bacterial infection caused by plaque – the sticky, colourless, bacteria-filled film that adheres to your teeth. As plaque builds up on teeth, it hardens and becomes tartar, which can be difficult to remove.
The bacteria in plaque produce toxins that irritate the gums and cause inflammation and gingivitis. If bacteria are not removed and the inflammation continues, the gum tissues can be destroyed and more advanced stages of gum disease may follow.
As gum disease advances, the pockets grow deeper, and plaque moves further down the tooth root, destroying supporting bone. The affected teeth may loosen and eventually fall out. Since gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, regular dental exams and cleanings and brushing and flossing in between visits are vital to keeping your teeth.
There is mounting evidence of a connection between a person’s oral and overall health. Recent studies have linked heart attacks and strokes to gum disease. Although no causal relationships have been discovered, a dental hygiene cleaning every three to six months to keep your teeth and gums healthy could possibly reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Gum Disease Therapy | Root Planing and Scaling | Deep Cleanings
Root planing and scaling is one of the most effective ways to treat gum disease before it becomes severe. Root planing and scaling cleans between the gums and the teeth down to the roots. Mary Skrijelj, a dental hygienist with over 17 years of experience in the treatment of gum disease, will help you determine the treatment protocol that is right for you and when necessary, refer you out to a dental specialist.
If you maintain good dental care after the procedure, the progression of gum disease should stop. And your gums will heal and become firm and pink again. Brush and floss regularly afterward and follow the instructions given to you at Richmond Hill Dental Hygiene.
To promote healing, stop all use of tobacco. Smoking or using spit tobacco reduces your ability to fight infection of your gums and delays healing.