In this last post from Kits Family Dental in the series about gum disease, we’ll cover diagnosis and treatment.
The Check-Up
During a regular check-up, your dentist will inspect your gums for signs and symptoms of gum disease – that’s why it’s important to come see Dr. Mak and Dr. Iwagami regularly! Your dentist might also measure the distance from the edge of your gum line to the point where they attach to your teeth with a periodontal probe to measure the level of bone support and make sure your gums are attached to the teeth as healthy gums should be. X-rays will also be taken to screen for gum disease and other possible problems.
The check-up is also a good time to ask your dentist or dental hygienist if your brushing and flossing are up to par and if there are any spots you’re missing with regularity – don’t forget, gum disease usually starts in one or two neglected places rather than the whole mouth at once!
The Treatment
In the early stages of gum disease, the best treatment is a professional cleaning coupled with daily and thorough brushing and flossing. Since gum disease is caused by the build-up of plaque and tartar, anything that’ll expel them from your mouth will allow your gums a fighting chance; dentists and hygienists will remove these in the course of a regular cleaning. Cleaning gently by brushing and flossing will eliminate built-up tartar before it can cause gum disease, but once plaque hardens into tartar, you’ll need the help of a dental professional to get rid of it.
If gum disease has progressed past gingivitis, your dentist may have to remove infected gum tissue from around your teeth to eliminate some of the problem. The downside of this is that it exposes more of your teeth, so brushing and flossing become even more essential!
If worse comes to worst and a tooth is lost, alternatives are available; ask us about which one would be best for you!
