Parental dental tips

Periodontal disease is an advanced form of gum disease in which bacteria attacks the tissue below the gum line, leading to inflammation, pain, and in some cases even tooth loss. Here are just a few periodontal treatment options that dentists use to halt and reverse the progression of this condition.

1. Improved Oral Hygiene

If you show signs of the early stages of periodontal disease, your dentist will likely start by addressing your oral hygiene routine. They can give tips on how to brush and floss your teeth using the most effective techniques. They may also give you tools, such as interdental brushes or antiseptic mouthwash, to help you in your battle against the spread of periodontal disease.

2. Professional Cleaning

Once dental plaque has hardened into tartar, it is very difficult for you to remove it at home. Your dentist can help you out by carrying out an in-office professional cleaning session on your teeth. During this clean, the dentist uses special tools to remove tartar from all accessible parts of your mouth, which should help to halt or slow down the spread of periodontitis.

3. Antibiotics

Periodontal disease is caused by pockets of bacteria multiplying underneath the gum line. In many cases, better oral hygiene is enough to stop the growth of these bacteria. However, some more stubborn cases of periodontal disease require treatment with antibiotics. Your dentist can prescribe an appropriate antibiotic to treat your condition and prevent it from coming back.

4. Periodontal Surgery

If all other treatments fail, you might need a surgical procedure to remove pockets of diseased tissue from your gums. During periodontal surgery, a dentist cuts into the gums to access and remove deposits of plaque and bacteria. This type of surgery is carried out under local anaesthetic, which means that you should not feel any pain.

5. Ongoing Checkups

After treatment for periodontal disease, it is very important to visit a dentist regularly so they can check for any signs of the condition returning. You should also keep up with the dental hygiene routine that your dentist has recommended, including daily brushing and flossing, and continue to use any medicated mouth rinses that they have provided. By seeing your dentist regularly for checkups, you can detect gingivitis (swelling in the gums caused by bacteria) and soon as it begins and then take action to prevent it from developing into periodontal disease.