Restore Your Gum Health with a Deep Cleaning in Natick MA

Your gum health is just as crucial as your teeth. Alarmingly, the CDC estimates that over 50% of adults suffer from some form of periodontal disease, a preventable infection caused by bacteria in plaque and tartar. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and affect your overall health. To combat this infection, schedule a Natick MA deep cleaning with Dr. Christina Papageorgiou today.

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Do I Need a Deep Cleaning in Natick MA?

Gum disease is a serious infection that first appears as red, swollen, or bleeding gums. At this stage, it is known as gingivitis, which is easily treatable and will not produce long-term damage. If you do not receive a deep cleaning to remove plaque and tartar, the infection intensifies. Eventually, it destroys the supporting structures of your teeth. Over time, they can become loose and fall out.

The bacteria responsible for the infection can also enter your bloodstream. As it circulates throughout your body, it causes serious health complications, including cardiovascular disease, respiratory infections, and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

During your routine dental visit, your dentist in Natick, Dr. Papageorgiou, not only checks the health of your teeth but that of your gums as well. She looks for signs of the infection and uses probing to measure the area around your teeth to see if pockets of over 3 millimeters have formed in the gingival tissue. If the pocket depth is greater than 5 millimeters, it is best to have a deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing to remove trapped bacteria from the spaces between the tissue and your teeth.

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Deep Cleaning Process

Your periodontal dentist in Natick first performs the scaling procedure to remove plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth and the roots using special dental tools. After the pockets are free from buildup, root planing is used to smooth the areas to prevent future accumulations. Generally, it requires 2 appointments to complete both procedures.

Following your treatment, your gums naturally become healthier over the next few weeks. In some cases, your dentist may recommend more frequent preventive appointments to keep your gums healthy.

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Protecting Your Gum Health

To stop the infection from developing again, it is best to be proactive about your gum health. Brush your teeth twice a day for at least 2 minutes using a soft-bristled toothbrush and tartar control toothpaste. Take the time to floss in between each tooth and around your gum line every night before going to bed. In some cases, we may recommend the use of an antibacterial mouth rinse to further reduce harmful bacteria levels in your mouth.

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Deep Cleaning Frequently Asked Questions

Gum disease is a common condition that affects an estimated 65 million U.S. adults. Unfortunately, it’s also the #1 cause of tooth loss and increases the risk of serious conditions such as heart disease and Alzheimer’s. But, despite these consequences, gum disease can be managed with effective treatment, including a deep cleaning in Natick. Keep reading to get answers to several deep cleaning FAQs, and don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any other questions!