If you do a Google search of the term ‘gum disease” spend some time reviewing the headlines. You might be oddly surprised, and maybe a bit disturbed at what you are reading. You will be graced with images of nasty gum infection and articles on the links between chronic health issues and gum disease, including:

• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Various types of cancer

We have all heard that the eyes are the window to the soul, but did you know that your mouth is the gateway to your overall health? If you have red, bleeding, or inflamed gums in need of treatment, you must act fast. A visit to Bayside Dental in Rowlett, TX can help you manage your gum health without invasive surgery.

Educate Yourself on Gum Disease Symptoms and Preventing Them

Many patients have gum disease but are unaware of it, at least not until it is in the advanced stages and painful symptoms arise. Therefore, it important to recognize the warning signs:

• Bleeding gums when you floss or brush
• Chronic bad breath
• Red or swollen gums
• Sores on the gums or oozing pus
• Your teeth might appear longer due to your gums pulling away

Even if no pain is present, if you have these symptoms there may still be a problem brewing. The best prevention is to avoid periodontal complications. Start with good oral hygiene habits at home and keep up routine dentist visits every six months.

Get A Nonsurgical Solution for Your Gum Disease

If you have any of the aforementioned symptoms, and you are diagnosed with gum disease, there is no need to panic. Although we put a lot of emphasis on preventative dentistry, treatment is also available.

The most common approach is to treat advanced gum disease with scaling and root planing. These deep cleaning procedures remove bacteria and infection for below the gum line. This treatment also makes it hard for bacteria to come back and adhere to tooth roots.

The 2-Part Scaling and Root Planing Process

After a careful and thorough oral cavity exam, the scaling process will begin. Plaque and tartar will be removed from below the gum line. This is followed by root planing to smooth out jagged root surfaces where bacteria hide and thrive. This procedure also helps damaged gums reattach to teeth.

Enjoy Comfortable Cleaning with Our Ultrasonic Scaler

Oftentimes a dentist will use a dental pick to perform the entire scaling and root planing procedure. But research has found that it is better done with an ultrasonic scaler. The device combines a powerful stream of water with a vibrating tip for more comfortable and effective cleaning. Other benefits of using an ultrasonic scaler include:

• Found to be more effective at treating gum pockets deeper than four millimeters
• It can penetrate deeper into the nooks and crannies of the infected pockets for easier and more thorough cleaning
• The procedure is completed faster than with just a manual instrument
• The device flushes away bacteria and tartar to promote better healing

There is no reason to take risks with your oral health and overall health. Give your gums the best possible treatment and protect your smile, visit the experienced dentists at Bayside Dental in Rowlett, TX.