Do you deal with continual gum sensitivity and pain? You may have chronic gum disease. Patients with chronic inflammation and signs of plaque and tartar on their gum tissue can have chronic gum health issues. Typically, patients with chronic gum problems may have gingivitis. However, over time, gingivitis can turn into gum disease, a much more damaging dental problem. We offer solutions for patients with chronic gum disease in our Greenwood, IN, office.
What Are the Common Causes of Chronic Gum Disease?
There are multiple common causes of reoccurring gum disease problems:
- Diabetes: Patients with diabetes can have high blood sugar or higher levels of glucose in their blood. Glucose can appear in their saliva, attracting harmful bacteria.
- Smoking: Tobacco products negatively impact oral health. These products not only yellow the tooth enamel but increase harmful bacteria in the mouth. Smoking, vaping, or using tobacco products also causes dry mouth and restricts the blood vessels. Using these products can make it difficult to fight off gum disease.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Not brushing or flossing properly can lead to bacterial problems. As food debris collects between teeth and on the gum tissue, plaque and tartar build up, leading to gum issues.
- Immune Deficiencies: Patients with a chronic illness or autoimmune disorders can be more difficult to fight off problems like a gum infection. These patients need to be particularly mindful of their oral health.
How to Treat Chronic Gum Disease in Greenwood, IN
Dental cleanings and antibacterial rinses are the first line of defense for patients who are developing gum problems. We clean plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums during regular dental cleanings. Plaque is a bacterial film that can coat the inside of the mouth. Over time, plaque hardens to form tartar. Our hygienists can also use antibacterial rinses after cleaning treatment that minimizes harmful bacteria in the mouth.
Scaling and root planing are deep cleaning treatments for patients with signs of gingivitis and periodontitis, or gum inflammation and gum disease. During scaling treatment, we use small stainless steel instruments to remove tartar and calculus from carefully from the gum tissue. We remove bacteria buildup on and beneath the gum tissue.
Then, we remove plaque and tartar from the tooth roots during root planing treatment. By using these treatments together, we help fight off bacteria buildup. We will often recommend scaling and root planing for patients with chronic gum disease because they can find that bacteria come back after multiple months.
Do you have inflamed, red, or swollen gum tissue? Contact Beautiful Smiles today at (317) 886-4512. On our website, you can also schedule a routine dental appointment with Dr. Benjamin Stevens.