Do you want to make sure your teeth and gums remain healthy this year? Maybe you feel tired of struggling with bad breath, gums that bleed easily, or inflammation that is causing you discomfort? If so, it could be your gums, in particular, that are causing you trouble. Though a preventive cleaning may be able to help, in many cases when the gums are inflamed and irritated due to gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, periodontal treatment is actually necessary. A periodontist can help to loosen and then remove the calcified plaque buildup, called tartar, most often responsible for the development and then progression of gum disease.

What Makes Periodontal Therapy Different Than a Preventive Cleaning?

While preventive checkups and cleanings are important care for all smiles, some people may require additional treatment to maintain healthy teeth and gums. For these patients, periodontal cleanings may be necessary.

When the tartar on a person’s teeth has created such acidity that the gums have become inflamed, bleed easily, and discolored (healthy gums should be light pink, dark red or purple gums are often signs of gum disease), periodontal treatment is often the best way to help restore the patient’s oral health.

When Is Periodontal Treatment Necessary?

Periodontal treatment may be recommended for you if at your next dental checkup, the dentist notices gums that are already showing warning signs of gingivitis. In these cases, a cleaning may not be sufficient for removing the bacteria that has caused the problems.

Periodontal treatment provides a deeper cleaning, helping to restore the gums’ health, and can help to improve the overall oral health of a patient as well.