The Importance of Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing: Why it Matters and How to Tackle It
Periodontal disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. This is because bacteria from below the gums and from above the gums combine to form plaque, which causes inflammation and eventually destroys the surrounding tissues. Moreover, periodontal disease appears to be linked with other chronic health problems such as heart disease, diabetes and obesity. Hence, it is important that you take special care of your oral health. This article highlights the importance of periodontal scaling and root planing, how to tackle it effectively, and ways to get back on track if you’ve neglected your oral hygiene recently.
What is Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing?
Periodontal scaling and root planing, also known as periodontal debridement, is an effective treatment for gum disease. It removes the plaque and tartar (calcified plaque) from around the teeth and below the gum line. During this process, the dentist/hygienist will use special instruments to clean your teeth and gums. This is to ensure that they are free of harmful bacteria and microbes. Periodontal scaling and root planing is beneficial as it improves overall oral health by reducing the risk of tooth loss. Moreover, it reduces the risk of other chronic health problems such as heart disease, diabetes and obesity.
Why Is Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing Important?
Periodontal disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. This is because bacteria from below the gums and from above the gums combine to form plaque, which causes inflammation and eventually destroys the surrounding tissues. Periodontal disease appears to be linked with other chronic health problems such as heart disease, diabetes and obesity. Hence, it is important to take special care of your oral health.
How to Tackle Perodontal Scaling and Root Planing?
The key to tackling periodontal scaling and root planing is managing your oral hygiene. This comprises brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, using a mouthwash and visiting the dentist for a professional cleaning every six months. Brushing your teeth: Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is the first step towards good dental hygiene. It is recommended that you brush your teeth after every meal as this is when the bacteria are most likely to form plaque.
Flossing: Although brushing your teeth is important, it will not remove the bacteria below the gum line. Hence, flossing is a must to ensure that the bacteria are removed from below the gum line and from between teeth. Using a mouthwash: Using a mouthwash is another effective way to kill harmful bacteria and microbes in the mouth. Mouthwashes also help to prevent bad breath by reducing bad breath causing bacteria. Visiting the dentist for a professional cleaning: A dental cleaning and scaling every six months is important to remove plaque and tartar that cannot be removed by brushing and flossing at home.
3 Ways to Get Back on Track After Neglecting Your Oral Hygiene
If you have neglected your oral hygiene and are looking to get back on track, here are 3 tips to help you. – Increase the frequency of brushing your teeth – You may associate brushing your teeth twice a day as being a daily routine. But in reality, brushing your teeth only once a day is not enough to tackle plaque formation in the mouth.
Hence, increase the frequency of brushing your teeth to twice a day to help reduce plaque and tartar formation. – Increase the frequency of flossing – Similarly, when it comes to flossing, many people do it only once a day. However, to tackle plaque formation under the gum line, you need to floss at least once a day. – Consider visiting the dentist for a professional cleaning – A daily routine of brushing and flossing is not enough to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth. Hence, consider visiting the dentist for a professional cleaning once every six months to help remove plaque and tartar.
Conclusion
Periodontal disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. This is because bacteria from below the gums and from above the gums combine to form plaque, which causes inflammation and eventually destroys the surrounding tissues. Periodontal scaling and root planing is beneficial as it improves overall oral health by reducing the risk of tooth loss. Moreover, it reduces the risk of other chronic health problems such as heart disease, diabetes and obesity. The key to tackling periodontal scaling and root planing is managing your oral hygiene. This comprises increasing the frequency of brushing your teeth, flossing and using a mouthwash, as well as visiting the dentist for a professional cleaning once every six months.
