The Dangers of Periodontal Disease and How Scaling and Root Planing Can Help

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), close to 50% of adult Americans suffer from some form of periodontal disease, also known as gum disease or gingivitis. This means more than 64 million people in the United States are at risk for serious health complications. Gum disease is closely linked to the health of the entire body, and treating it may mean the difference between a healthy, happy mouth and a life of concerning health problems.

Diseases Linked to Periodontal Disease

Experts originally believed that gum disease was linked to other health conditions through bacteria that entered the bloodstream. Current research supports the idea that the inflammation caused by gum disease may be the more likely culprit.

Gum disease is closely linked to systemic conditions such as:

• Diabetes – Periodontal disease makes it difficult to control blood sugar and to reduce complications from diabetes.
• Heart Disease – While there is no direct causation between the two, experts believe that inflammation caused by gingivitis may also lead to heart disease down the road.
• Osteoporosis – Studies link bone loss in the jaw from periodontal disease to osteoporosis.
• Cancer – Some studies show that people with gum disease are anywhere from 30% to 50% more likely to develop certain types of cancer.
• Respiratory Disease – Bacteria located in the oral cavity may be aspirated into the lungs, causing respiratory problems such as pneumonia.

These links suggest that treating gum disease early and efficiently may make all the difference in the overall health of the patient.

How Does Scaling and Root Planing Help?

In most cases of periodontal disease, fast, effective treatment is vital to reversing the condition or stopping its growth. Most dentists will use specialized cleaning tools to remove tartar and plaque from the teeth and gums in order to ensure a happier, healthier mouth.

Scaling is the process dentists use to remove plaque and calculus from the root and crown of the tooth. Special devices are used to clean and irrigate the area, and an antimicrobial substance may be administered in order to reduce bacteria in the mouth.

Root planing is done to remove surface dentin and cementum that is full of toxins, tartar and unwanted microorganisms. During root planing, the tooth’s root is smoothed in order to create a hostile environment in which bacteria cannot develop. Gum disease is minimized when bacteria cannot grow.

Scaling and root planing are cleaning processes that are used to remove harmful substances from the deep pockets of the gums and teeth in order to minimize risk for gum disease. After these procedures, gum pockets are often treated with antibiotics in order to promote healing.

Good Treatment, Better Health

If you are concerned that you are developing gum disease, schedule an appointment with a dentist at (Company Name) today. We are here to help you minimize the damage quickly. Call us at XXX-XXX-XXXX.