Periodontal Maintenance at Bowie, MD, Dentistry
Our Superior Cosmetic and Family Dentistry team provides exceptional periodontal maintenance services at our dental office in Bowie, Maryland.
Periodontal maintenance refers to dentists’ efforts to protect their patients against gum disease and bone loss. This regular and professional maintenance is a crucial part of overall oral health, especially for those at risk for periodontal disease.
The Importance of Periodontal Maintenance
Periodontal disease is a gum disease that plaque and bacteria buildup cause. Along with gum infections, it can form harmful tartar on your teeth and along your gum lines.
If left untreated, this plaque and tartar can damage the soft gum tissue and even lead to the loosening or complete loss of teeth. In severe cases, the damage from periodontal disease can even spread to other parts of the body. This damage can cause further health problems such as rheumatoid arthritis and heart disease.
Fortunately, periodontal disease is preventable. Daily brushing and good flossing techniques prevent the buildup of plaque and maintain healthy gums.
Even if you follow a proper oral hygiene routine at home, it’s often not enough to prevent periodontal disease. Plaque and bacterial deposits can still occur in gum pockets or other hidden places that even brushing and flossing cannot conquer.
Dentists and dental hygienists can help. Regular dental visits and teeth cleanings help prevent the onset of periodontal disease. If you already have periodontal disease, your dentist can provide proper treatment and help prevent it from worsening or spreading.
Periodontal Disease Symptoms
Symptoms of periodontal or gum disease can include:
- Red and swollen gums
- Sensitive and bleeding gums
- Pain when chewing
- Loose or lost teeth
- Constant bad breath
- Gums that have worn away
- Pus between teeth and gums
- Changes in the spaces between your teeth
Periodontal Maintenance and Support
Unlike routine teeth cleanings, periodontal maintenance involves a much deeper cleaning to remove advanced plaque and tartar buildup. Patients undergo a procedure called “scaling and root planing,” which is when the dentist removes all plaque, tartar, and bacteria buildup above and below the gum lines.
Periodontal disease can lead to the loss of gum tissue, ligaments, and bones in the mouth. If this happens, your dentist can perform periodontal surgery to rebuild these structures and restore a healthier mouth—but it’s far better to prevent the disease than to have to undergo surgical treatment.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Superior Cosmetic and Family Dentistry is a family-owned dentistry practice in Bowie, Maryland. Our team is committed to providing treatment for all your dental problems while keeping your mouth clean and healthy. Call (301) 464-2323 to schedule an appointment or click here to contact us today.