Gum inflammation causes gingivitis and accelerates into periodontal gum disease if not treated. If food components are not flossed and/or brushed away, it causes plaque to build up on teeth. Bacteria can settle on plaque, infiltrate into the gums and under teeth, and cause this gum disease once they hit the periodontal membrane that hold teeth in place. If this condition is not cured immediately, it can result in the loss of teeth.
Full Mouth Debridement
A full mouth debridement procedure is more invasive than the general cleaning that is recommended two times a year. The dentist will use a local anesthetic to make the process more tolerable. The teeth will have to be scraped to remove tartar buildup, which is painful if the mouth is not deadened. It involves rough scaling over the teeth all the way down to the root so gums can begin to heal. Depending on the severity of periodontal disease, this may need to be done anywhere from two to five times.
Antibiotics
Doxycycline is a popular antibiotic that is often given to patients with periodontal disease. It is a deep tissue antibiotic so it will concentrate on the skin, teeth and gum areas. It helps protect the body from new bacterial infections, helps recovery after an invasive dental procedure, and decreases the amount of plaque organisms around the roots of teeth during the healing process. Atridox is a topical gel that dentists prescribe for periodontal disease. It is applied to teeth and gums and solidifies. This is advantageous after a debridement procedure. Atridox is used in lieu of doxycycline since some patients may suffer gastrointestinal side effects.
At Home Care
Good oral hygiene is the best method to prevent and treat advanced gum disease. Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste to eliminate plaque formation. Floss at least once daily to get food particles and bacteria out from between the teeth. An antimicrobial mouthwash such as Listerine or Plax is also recommended to stop bacterial growth and treat gingivitis and periodontal gum disease. Use a mouthwash twice a day before brushing teeth.
Tags: periodontal disease, debridement procedure, periodontal disease