Gums Healing After Deep Teeth Cleaning
If you notice signs of gum disease, it’s important to schedule a visit with your dentist to examine your teeth and gums to determine the source of the problem. If it turns out you have gum disease, your dentist may recommend a deep teeth cleaning to treat or even resolve the issue.
What to Know About Gum Disease
Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) is an ailment in which the gums become inflamed and infected. The disease will progress over time and—as it does—it becomes more dangerous. If you are able to catch gum disease in its early stage (gingivitis), it may be reversible. Once it advances to the stage of periodontitis, though, it cannot be fixed.
Gum disease damages not only the gums but also the bone. Over time, your teeth can become loose, and they will eventually fall out. It can also enter your bloodstream and spread to different areas of the body.
Gum disease needs to be addressed immediately.
Things to Look Out For
Some of the symptoms of gum disease you should look out for include:
- tender gums
- loose teeth
- bad breath
- bleeding gums
- inflammation
- pain when chewing
- gum recession
- swollen gums
If you notice these signs of gum disease, schedule an appointment with your dentist to take a look and determine if you are suffering from periodontal disease.
Deep Teeth Cleaning
Once gum disease has gotten bad enough, deep teeth cleaning will be required to treat it. This process involves a dentist using specialized tools to get under the gum line and remove plaque, bacteria, and tartar. The dentist will use a local anesthetic to ensure there isn’t any pain, but there still may be pressure and discomfort.
Gums Healing After Deep Teeth Cleaning and Aftercare
After deep teeth cleaning, it’s important to follow all aftercare instructions. This will help with gum healing after deep teeth cleaning. Some things you should do after deep cleaning include:
- Use prescribed medication. Your dentist may prescribe either over-the-counter or prescription medication. Take as prescribed.
- Be careful when eating. Don’t eat right after the procedure. You’ll still be numb. This increases the likelihood of biting the tongue or cheeks and injuring yourself. It’s also important to not use straws and avoid certain foods. Your dentist will outline what foods specifically to avoid.
- Saltwater rinse. Saltwater rinsing will help to keep your gums clean and free of bacteria after the procedure. You should consider rinsing 4-6 times per day for the first two days after the procedure.
- Be gentle when brushing and flossing. It’s generally okay to brush the same day as your procedure. You can floss the next day. Be especially careful after the procedure and be gentle.
Schedule an Appointment Today
If you are experiencing the symptoms of gum disease, contact us today. We’ll schedule you an appointment with your dentist to take a look and determine if you have gum disease. From there, a treatment plan will be put in place.