What is gum disease?
Gum disease is an infection of the gum tissues that support your teeth, caused by an excess of toxic bacteria that is found in plaque and tartar buildup.
How is gum disease caused?
Poor dental hygiene
Genetics
Tobacco use
Hormonal changes
Diabetes or other diseases
Grinding teeth
Certain medications
Chronic stress
Poor diet
How is gum disease treated?
Deep cleaning methods, such as scaling and root planing, can be incredibly effective in treating gum disease. Antibiotics or other medications can also be prescribed to treat infection and halt further progression.
What is scaling and root planing (SRP)?
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure that targets plaque and bacteria below the gumline, which helps to address the root causes of gum disease by cleaning deeper and more thoroughly than other dental hygiene methods.
How can I prevent gum disease?
Practicing good oral hygiene as well as scheduling routine dental cleanings can greatly decrease the risk of gum disease.