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Gum Disease - Other Treatment

If you have gum disease, your dentist may do a procedure called root planing and scaling. Root planing and scaling is one of the most effective ways to treat gum disease before it becomes severe. Root planing and scaling removes plaque and tartar buildup between the gums and the teeth down to the roots.

Your dentist may give you antibiotics to speed healing after root planing and scaling.

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If your dentist can remove all the plaque and tartar from the roots of your teeth, and if you follow treatment with good dental care, your gums should heal and reattach to the teeth. You must brush and floss daily after root planing and scaling. Without proper dental care, your gum disease may get worse.

Other nonsurgical procedures that may be done to cure or prevent gum disease are:

  • Gingival curettage, which removes the inner lining of the gums if it becomes damaged or infected.
  • Splinting, which uses wire to secure loose teeth to one another to make them more stable.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: August 24, 2007
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
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How Do I Measure Up? Get the Facts Fast!

Number of Days Per Week I Floss

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Only 18.5% of Americans never floss. You are missing out on a simple way to make a big difference in the health of your mouth. Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Floss removes food trapped between the teeth and removes the film of bacteria that forms there before it turns to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Try flossing just one tooth to get started.

You are one of 31% of Americans who don't floss daily. You are missing out on a simple way to make a big difference in the health of your mouth. Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Toothbrush bristles alone cannot clean effectively between these tight spaces. Flossing removes up to 80% of the film that hardens to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Aim for 3 more days!

You are one of 31% of Americans who don't floss daily, but you're well on your way to making a positive impact on your teeth and gums. Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Toothbrush bristles alone cannot clean effectively between these tight spaces. Flossing removes up to 80% of the film that hardens to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Aim for all 7 days!

Only 50.5% of Americans floss daily, and good for you that you are one of them! Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Toothbrush bristles alone cannot clean effectively between these tight spaces. Flossing removes up to 80% of the film that hardens to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Congratulations on your good oral health habit!

SOURCES:

American Dental Association, Healthy People 2010

This tool is intended only for adults 18 and older.

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