The global pandemic has caused growing concern for health universally, including for our mouths. A recent study from the Journal of Clinical Periodontology suggests that individuals with gum disease could be more likely to suffer severe complications from COVID-19. This is due to a long-tested link between inflamed gums and the body’s systemic inflammatory response. COVID-19 symptoms, especially those affecting the respiratory system, can worsen with higher white blood cell counts or other indicators connected to gum disease. Dr. Bradley Dean, a periodontist in Plano, TX, describes gum disease treatment you can get during the ongoing pandemic.
Preventative care
More than half of Americans over the age of 30 suffer from gum disease. With news of this condition’s link to other health issues, treatment for this issue is crucial. You can stop gum disease before it happens in most cases with good oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily to keep bacteria from infecting your gums. Ideally, you should floss at night to remove plaque between teeth that develops throughout your day. The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis and often presents as swollen or bleeding gums. If you notice these symptoms, your dentist may recommend an anti-bacterial mouth wash to help balance bacteria in your mouth.
Extensive gum cleaning
Dentists might recommend a thorough cleaning of teeth and gums for patients who have gum disease. During a routine cleaning, your dentist scrapes plaque and tartar from spots in your mouth missed by brushing, including near the gum line. More extensive cleaning is referred to as scaling and root planing. This entails specialized tools that remove plaque and tartar from the root pockets of the gums. The process eliminates excess bacteria and lowers your risk of gum recession and tooth loss from gum disease.
Periodontal surgery
Advanced gum disease is known as periodontitis and might require more in-depth and invasive treatment. If your gum disease does not respond to cleaning treatments, your dentist may recommend gum surgery. This will involve further cleaning and stitching gums tighter to the teeth to make it difficult for bacteria to spread. The reduced pocket depth will also help you maintain good oral hygiene by making it easier to keep your mouth clean. Depending on the damage done by gum disease, you may also require restorative surgery.
Gum disease treatment available in Plano, TX
Dr. Dean offers gum disease treatment and other periodontal services to patients in Plano, TX. Our practice also specializes in dental implants and sedation dentistry. To schedule an appointment with us, contact our office online or reach us by phone at 972.666.1594.