What Your Dentist Can Do About A Stubborn Case Of Gum Disease
Gum disease is very common. Most people experience bouts of it from time to time, and usually, brushing your teeth more often and using some mouthwash will take care of it. But if these practices do not clear up your gum disease symptoms within a week or two, you should really see a dentist. They offer some very effective treatments, even for the most stubborn gum disease cases. Take a look.
Antibiotics
Gum disease is, by definition, an infection. It is caused by certain species of oral bacteria that proliferate in and under your gums. Mouthwash and toothpaste help kill some of these bacteria, but sometimes they don't do quite enough. Your dentist can prescribe an antibiotic that will kill these bacteria in droves, putting an end to your gum disease. Usually, this antibiotic will be given in the form of a gel, which you apply topically. But sometimes, your dentist may prescribe an oral antibiotic — pills that you take daily for about 10 days.
Root Scaling
Often, gum disease is perpetuated by the presence of tartar below your gumline. Tartar is hardened plaque. It contains a lot of bacteria, white blood cells, and calcium. You can't really scrape tartar off your teeth yourself, especially when it lies beneath your gumline. As long as the tartar is there, your gum disease will keep coming back. As such, your doctor will remove it via a process called root scaling. Your gums will be numbed, and then your dentist will use a special scraping tool to reach under your gums and remove the tartar. You will probably be sore for a few days afterwards, but your gum disease should clear up quickly.
Standard Cleaning
If you have tartar on your teeth but it is mostly above your gumline, then your dentist may just recommend a standard cleaning. This service is typically performed by a dental hygienist. They may apply some numbing gel if your gums are sore, and then they'll start scraping away the tartar. They will finish up by polishing your teeth, which will help keep additional plaque and tartar from settling on the teeth in the weeks that follow. With tartar having been removed from your teeth, your gum disease should clear up.
Mild gum disease can sometimes be treated at home, but if it lingers, you need to see a dentist. They offer numerous treatments for gum disease and will recommend the one that's best for you.
For more information, contact a dentist in your area.