Deep Cleanings in Tampa, FL
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is an infection of the tissues surrounding the teeth, including gum and bone tissue. Gum disease is a consequence of bacterial activity, usually in an environment of compromised oral hygiene. When bacteria break down the foods and sugars in your mouth, a sticky material known as plaque is formed. Over time, plaque hardens to tartar. Plaque and tartar can cause a severe infection of gum tissues, leading to what we know as periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease is characterized by unexplained bleeding, red or swollen gums, bad breath, pain when chewing, loose teeth, and receding gums. If you’re showing these symptoms, contact New Tampa Smiles immediately. Untreated gum disease has severe consequences, including tooth loss.
Here at New Tampa Smiles, we provide different therapies for periodontal disease. Specifically, we rely on deep cleanings (scaling and root planing) as the first line of treatment for patients with gum disease.
What to Expect
Scaling and root planing involve the extensive removal of plaque and tartar from below and above the gum line, and the smoothing of tooth roots to allow easy re-attachment of gums. Scaling and root planing are non-surgical interventions that promote tissue health by eliminating the culprits behind the periodontal disease.
As a way of boosting the success of our scaling and root planing procedures, we also utilize Arestin®, a locally applied antibiotic that combats bacteria while also eliminating periodontal pockets. Arestin is applied directly to the periodontal pockets after a deep cleaning session.
Our dentist in Tampa, FL, will keep an eye on you after your deep cleaning appointment to ensure you’re progressing as required. For some patients, one session of scaling and root planing suffices to address the problem at hand. Other patients require multiple deep cleanings in Tampa, FL.
How to Prevent Gum Disease Reoccurrence
Deep cleanings are crucial in eliminating active periodontal disease. However, they’re not a safeguard against future infection. Should you revert to your old habits of compromised oral hygiene, you may very well find yourself struggling with gum disease again.
To prevent gum disease from reoccurring, you must take critical steps to safeguard your oral well-being. In particular, our dentist in Tampa, FL, recommends adopting the following helpful habits:
- Clean your teeth thoroughly at least two times every day for at least two minutes each time. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and ADA-approved toothpaste. Remember to clean all surfaces of the tooth, including the sides, as well as the tongue and the roof of your mouth.
- Floss once a day, at least. Flossing eliminates the food debris and plaque that your toothbrush is unable to reach.
- Schedule regular dental exams and cleanings with our dentist near you. This way, our dentist can keep an eye on your oral health and alert you to any problems in good time. Professional tooth cleaning also prevents the accumulation of harmful plaque and tartar.
- Invest in an antibacterial mouth rinse. Our dentist near you will gladly advise you on the best product to use.
Contact New Tampa Smiles if you’re looking for a leading dental practice that provides deep cleanings near you.
