At Best Smiles Dental, the oral health of our patients is our number one priority. Dr. Reddy wants to remind you that good oral health is more than just cavity-free teeth; it also involves healthy gums. Maintaining healthy gums is not only important for good oral health, but also for good overall health since periodontal disease has been linked to more serious conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, for example. Unfortunately, gum disease is an all-too-common issue for countless people throughout the U.S. and around the world, which is why Dr. Reddy is pleased to provide periodontal therapy for our patients at her Hutto, TX, office.

Professional Teeth Cleaning: An Important Part of Periodontal Therapy

In addition to daily brushing and flossing, regular dental checkups and professional teeth cleaning play an important role in periodontal therapy. When tartar and plaque accumulate on the tooth surface, that accumulation also takes place below the gum line. Although a thorough oral health care regimen at home is crucial in good oral health, you’ll never be able to remove all the plaque and tartar on your own. That can only be accomplished by a trained dental professional using tools especially designed for that purpose.

Regular dental checkups also give Dr. Reddy the opportunity to monitor your gum health over time. It may be necessary to measure the depth of gum pockets that form around teeth on occasion. The depth of those pockets is an indicator of how healthy the gum tissue is, and can be an early indicator of gum disease.

What’s Involved in Periodontal Therapy

Gum disease can easily be avoided if you practice a good oral hygiene routine at home and visit Dr. Reddy on a regular basis for professional cleanings and checkups. If you already have gum disease, there are several procedures that can resolve the condition. Periodontal disease that is still in the early stages may be treated by a deep cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup below the gum line. Root planing may be required for patients with more advanced gum disease. Other patients may require medication or oral surgery to treat the condition.