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Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the gum tissue that is usually caused by a buildup of plaque and tartar around your teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to a variety of serious oral health problems. Over time, the infection can spread to the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth, causing tooth loss.

Periodontal disease is marked by red, swollen gums that may bleed when you brush or floss. You may notice the persistent bad breath as well. Other common symptoms include loose teeth, receding gums, sensitive teeth, and gum recession. In some cases, you may experience no symptoms at all. This is why it’s important to visit your dentist Albuquerque, NM, for regularly scheduled exams and cleanings.

The licensed best dentist Albuquerque, NM 87109, can diagnose and treat gum disease, so it’s important that you seek out the services of a qualified dental professional if you suspect you have the disease. At-home treatments such as mouthwashes, chewing gum, and oral rinses cannot reverse the effects of gum disease. Instead, you should see a professional who can administer treatment to reverse the effects of gum disease and improve your overall oral health.

When treating gum disease, the first step is typically a deep dental cleaning known as scaling and root planing. This procedure removes the buildup of plaque and tartar that have built up around your teeth over time. Your dentist 87109 may also prescribe antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection at the root of your gum disease. In severe cases of gum disease, surgery may be necessary to restore your oral health.

What Should I Expect During a Deep Cleaning?

A deep cleaning is a deeper cleaning than what you may be accustomed to receiving in a routine checkup or teeth cleaning appointment at your dentist’s office. Typically, your routine checkup and cleaning appointments only focus on the areas you can see when you look in the mirror. While brushing and flossing daily keeps plaque off of your teeth every day, it can’t get into every nook that a routine toothbrush can’t reach. That’s why it’s important to have regular checkups with your dentist 87109. They’ll help you stay on top of your oral health needs.

During a deep cleaning appointment, your dentist Albuquerque, NM, will clean all surfaces of your teeth, including the ones you can’t normally see in the mirror. This includes the gums, crevices around each tooth, and beneath the gumline, where bacteria can hide and cause gum disease. Your dentist Albuquerque, NM will likely use an air polishing tool in addition to a Waterpik during your deep cleaning appointment to help remove stubborn bacteria and plaque more quickly.

To learn how our dental office can help you prevent and treat gum disease with a deep cleaning and other treatments, schedule an appointment to meet with the best dentist Albuquerque, NM 87109, today!