Periodontal Treatment (Perio Protect) in Edina MN
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, and you may not even know you have it because it may not cause pain until it becomes severe. If left untreated, gum disease can also lead to halitosis (bad breath), bleeding, infections, and decay. At 50th and France Dental Care, we know the importance of keeping your gums healthy, and we offer a range of periodontal treatments.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a result of plaque left on the teeth, particularly along the gumline. This plaque hardens over time into tartar, a hard, yellow substance that brushing and flossing alone can't remove. Bacteria live on this tartar and as it spreads below the gums, the bacteria go with it, causing inflammation, infection, and eventually tooth loss.
Catching Gum Disease Early in 55424
We check the health of your gums at each cleaning appointment. It's much easier to stop gum disease in the early stages and reverse the damage it can do to your oral health. This is why we recommend a professional cleaning at least once every six months, and possibly more often, depending on your situation and your oral health.
In its early stage, gum disease is known as gingivitis. The warning signs of gingivitis are red or swollen gums that bleed easily, persistent bad breath (even with regular brushing), and receding gums. Gingivitis can usually be treated with a professional cleaning by a dental hygienist, which usually includes a deep cleaning treatment known as scaling and root planing. Scaling and planing is a process that removes the built-up tartar from your teeth, both above and below the gumline, leaving bacteria nowhere to set up house.
If you are suffering from gum disease but are reluctant to resort to surgical treatment, we may have the solution you are looking for. Perio Protect is the most effective way to deliver antibacterial medication to the pockets around your teeth on a daily basis.
