General dentistry focuses on issues that can help to improve your oral health. Gum disease is one of the most common reasons people seek dental treatment, right next to tooth decay. It is an infection of gum tissues that can affect anyone regardless of age, but it primarily targets people over 30.
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease, and it can be reversed by improving your oral hygiene and getting regular teeth cleanings. Periodontitis is the second stage of gum disease, and there is no way to reverse it. It can only be managed with dental treatments.
Given how gum disease can be reversed in its early stages, early detection goes a long way. The advanced stage of gum disease is linked to serious health issues like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. It is also the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
Here are some of the treatments used in general dentistry to protect gum tissues from the bacteria in tartar and plaque:
The American Dental Association recommends getting teeth cleaned twice a year. That combined with good oral hygiene goes a long way when it comes to keeping gum tissues healthy. Gum disease is caused by the bacteria in plaque and tartar making their way below the gumline. The bacteria infect tissues below the gums, prompting a response from the immune system.
The ensuing battle between the invading bacteria and antibodies dispatched to the area leads to the gum irritation and inflammation associated with gum disease.
Plaque and tartar contain oral bacteria and the acids they produce. Plaque can be removed from teeth and gums by brushing and flossing, but getting rid of tartar is not that easy. Tartar is calcified plaque, and a metal tool called a scaler and ultrasonic tools are needed to get it off teeth. That means tartar gets to build up on teeth and gum pockets between teeth cleanings. Teeth cleanings are mainly performed as a preventative treatment, but they can be used to treat gingivitis.
This treatment is often recommended for more advanced cases of periodontal disease, and it can help reverse gingivitis. Also known as deep cleaning, the procedure includes all the things that go on during regular teeth cleanings. It also involves cleaning teeth roots and removing tartar deposits from them. The dentist finishes the procedure by polishing teeth roots to make it harder for new tartar deposits to buildup on them.
Dentists sometimes help to address inflammation and plaque deposits underneath the gums with prescription antibiotics like minocycline HCL. These antibiotics are often placed inside periodontal pockets to kill bacteria that cause gum disease.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentistry Services in Lilburn, GA
People with gum disease are up to three times more likely to have a significant cardiovascular event like a heart attack. Call or visit our Lilburn clinic to learn more about treatments our dentist can use to keep your gum tissues healthy.
Request an appointment or call Lilburn Family Dentistry at 770-800-0178 for an appointment in our Lilburn office.
People visit the general dentistry office because they desire healthy oral cavities, free of cavities. However, a checkup can show more than cavities. Dentists do not only perform dental cleanings and restorations. They also examine the mouth for present or potential health issues so patients can take appropriate precautions to avoid them or get them…
General dentistry focuses on preventative dentistry, but it also includes restorative treatments that address problems like a loose tooth. A tooth becoming loose may eventually lead to it falling out of its socket, so such issues should never be ignored.General dentistry has multiple ways to address issues like a loose tooth. It often comes down…
Many are familiar with how sugar can affect overall health, but fewer are familiar with why general dentistry practices recommend avoiding sugar. Sugar can have a negative impact on oral health and the appearance of your smile. This article discusses exactly why sugar is potentially harmful to the teeth and gums.The following is everything to…
Having a broken tooth can be a stressful situation, but it does not need to permanently alter your smile. Knowing what to do immediately after a tooth breaks or if it cracks can mean the difference between needing an implant later and saving the original tooth.A broken tooth is an urgent matter, and in many…
Keeping up with oral hygiene basics can prevent cavities and other issues with your teeth. Proper daily care can also stop discoloration of the teeth and reduce bad breath. Here are some dental habits that people can benefit from including as part of a daily routine.One of the most important parts of oral hygiene is…