How Is Gum Disease Treated?

Gum disease is a condition that progresses over a series of stages. Without treatment, gum disease almost always results in the loss of permanent teeth. Since the disease takes a long time to worsen, there is ample time for a person to seek treatment forgum disease in Long Beach, CA. At Dr. Andy Tang, we provide gum disease therapy for new and existing patients. If you feel you may need this, learn more about how gum disease is treated.

Deep Cleaning

When you first come in for gum disease therapy, you will undergo a deep cleaning, which is more than a standard teeth cleaning. Deep cleaning includes scaling and root planing. Scaling is a process where plaque and tartar are removed from the teeth, including above and below the gum line. The root planing part of the deep cleaning takes care of the roots of the teeth. This deep cleaning ensures that the surface of the teeth is free from bacteria, plaque and tartar, from the top all the way down to the bottom of the roots. This process enables the gums to reattach to the teeth, reducing the pockets where bad bacteria can thrive.

Prescription Products

As your gums begin the process of reattaching to the teeth, you’ll need to support the therapy at home. This typically includes the use of medicated mouthwash and toothpaste that kills bacteria. You may also receive a prescription for an antibiotic, but this is on a case-by-case basis, depending upon your individual circumstances.

Followup Dental Visits

Most people are advised to visit the dentist at least twice a year. But if you have had gum disease, you should visit the dentist more often, possibly once a month. This will help to ensure that the disease is brought under control and no longer threatens the health of your natural teeth.

At-home Oral Hygiene Practices

You may need to consider lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and/or drinking, eating more nutritiously, and improving oral hygiene practices.

By following a comprehensive treatment plan combining professional care and diligent home maintenance, you can significantly improve the health of your gums and prevent the progression of gum disease. Contact your dentist in Long Beach, CA to book an appointment to learn more.