Gum Disease & Bad Breath
Periodontal Treatment (Gum Care)
Genetics, lifestyle decisions, and plaque accumulation can all lead to the development of periodontal disease. Dangerous bacteria that can negatively impact gum health and cause gum disease can be found in plaque buildup along and below the gum line. During oral examinations, periodontal disease is diagnosed by analyzing x-rays and measuring the saccular depth surrounding each tooth. Strong teeth and a gorgeous smile depend on maintaining healthy gums. Following a comprehensive oral examination, we will design a periodontal treatment program specifically tailored to your requirements and to enhance gingival health.
Common signs of gum disease
Periodontal disease often begins as gingivitis, a concern where the gums become red, swollen, and inflamed. Some other symptoms of early gum disease include:
- Tender gums
- Gums that bleed following brushing and/or flossing
- Loose teeth, or teeth that appear longer than normal
- Receding gumline
- Chronic halitosis (bad breath)
In late stages of gum disease, patients may experience gum recession or tooth loss. These shifting teeth can affect the rod and reduce the bite force. For more information about dental care, or to schedule an appointment, please contact our office today.
Halitosis Treatment (Bad Breath Care)
Everyone occasionally experiences halitosis (bad breath). For example, morning breath is a common condition due to nocturnal salivary recession (saliva helps flush food and bacteria from the mouth, keeping your breath fresh) The main causes of bad breath are breakdown of food particles in your mouth, bacteria buildup, dry mouth and tooth decay. Halitosis can be treated by our dental professionals who will work with you to help identify the cause and develop a treatment plan together. We use scaling and root planing to remove tartar below the gum line and smooth the roots. To prevent bad breath, patients are recommended to maintain good oral hygiene habits at home for ongoing care and regular grooming.
Tips to maintain fresh breath:
- Maintain good dental hygiene – brushing the teeth, gums and tongue at least twice per day and floss once per day
- Use a tongue scraper, cleaning as far back on the tongue as possible
- Increase water consumption
- Visit your dentist at least twice per year for a professional cleaning and exam
- Chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugarless candy
- Eat foods like raw carrots and celery
LANAP (Laser Gum Treatment)
Extreme gum infection, known as Periodontitis, happens when gum health is ignored for such a long time that the gums develop deep pockets between the tissue and bone, which can in the long run lead to tooth loss. Here’s what LANAP is a ground-breaking, powerful weapon in the battle against gum disease, and can put an end to a patient’s periodontal problems once and for all, with almost instant recovery.
What is LANAP?
LANAP is a LASER-Assisted New Attachment Procedure that eliminates the need for conventional periodontal surgery. In doing so, it opens up treatment to the many people who put up with gum disease because of a reluctance to go under the knife.
Each laser has different wavelengths and power levels that can be utilized safely during different periodontal procedures. The laser removes infected tissue and loosens tartar from tooth root surfaces. The laser beam targets the bacteria in the diseased tissue but leaves healthy tissue alone. Then, ultrasonic instruments remove the tartar and prepare the tooth root for gum reattachment. The laser setting is changed to close the surgical area and begins a natural healing process from beneath the gums.
