Many patients have periodontal disease without even knowing it. Symptoms of gum disease include:
- Bleeding gums
- Chronic bad breath
- Gum recession
- Teeth that appear longer
- Swollen and red gums
Other patients do not notice any symptoms when they are suffering from the first stages of gum disease. The best thing we can do is treat your gums early with a deep cleaning process. When we halt gum disease before it progresses, you can avoid tooth loss and bone damage.
Do You Need a Deep Cleaning?
If your dentist ever tells you that you need a deep cleaning instead of a regular cleaning, don’t be alarmed. Our dental team will check your gums and measure the depth of the gum pockets.
- A measurement of 3mm or less represents healthy gums.
- A measurement of 4mm is borderline and may require further care.
- A measurement of 5mm or above represents gum disease and is cause for concern.
These measurements help us determine whether you need a regular cleaning or a deep cleaning. No matter which process is right for you, rest assured that your comfort is our priority.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is caused by plaque buildup. Bacteria builds up on your teeth constantly, and it will harden and become plaque over time. While you can do your best to brush and floss your teeth, it is practically impossible to remove all of the hardened plaque from the gum line without more equipment.
When the plaque is not removed, it accumulates below the gum line and the body begins to react. Toxins are released, and the gums may bleed or become red and swollen. If left untreated, the gum pulls away from the tooth, pockets form, and teeth become loose.
Why Get a Deep Cleaning?
A deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, is an effective way to reverse early gum disease. The deep cleaning process will:
- Prevent periodontal infection from traveling via the bloodstream to other parts of the body
- Prevent periodontal disease from progressing and causing tooth and bone loss
- Protect the teeth from loosening and falling out
- Eliminate side effects of gum disease, including gum swelling and bleeding and bad breath
- As an added bonus, a deep cleaning procedure will also remove surface stains from the teeth
Schedule Your Periodontal Exam
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is more common than you might think. Dr. Depal Parikh provides accurate diagnoses and comfortable deep cleaning processes to our patients in the greater Fort Worth area. To schedule an exam or cleaning, contact Mint Leaf Dental today.
