This is a common form of treatment for gum disease. Scaling is
the removal of calculus, also called tartar as well as plaque.
Root planing is the removal of any calculus from irregular tooth
surfaces and also it smoothes our root surface irregularities.

Scaling and root planing removes the irritants that can cause gum
disease. If someone is in the early stages of gum disease,
scaling and root planing may be the only treatment necessary.

Some dental patients experience discomfort during this procedure,
so local anesthetic may be used in the area being worked on by
the dentist.

The dentist will use both hand instruments and ultrasonic scalers
to do the scaling and root planing. The ultrasonic instruments
may be electric or they may be air-powered.

Hand instruments come in different shapes and sizes and are used
to knock plaque and calculus off each tooth. The hand instruments
are called: scalers and curettes.

The ultrasonic instruments are used to remove larger deposits of
plaque and calculus from around the crowns (top of the tooth) and
roots of the teeth.

If you have mild gum disease (gingivitis) this treatment can
usually be done in one visit. If you have a more advanced form of
gum disease it will take four visits to complete the treatment.
One quadrant will be done with each visit (1/4 area of your
mouth).

After the treatment you may notice some soreness and sensitivity
to hot or cold temperatures. You will probably be told to take
over-the-counter pain relievers to help minimize the discomfort.
You may be instructed to use an antiseptic mouth rinse after
scaling and root planing. It is common to experience bleeding
when brushing your teeth for the first few days following this
treatment. Your dentist may have put on a fluoride-containing gel
to prevent root cavities and will have instructed you in proper
brushing and flossing techniques.

It is important that if your medical doctor has ever instructed
you to take antibiotics before dental procedures that you inform
your dentist of this before undergoing this treatment.

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Teens who have formed good dental hygiene habits in their youth
will have an easier time with oral care as teens. Since puberty
hits during the teen years it is especially important that teens
continue to take good care of their gums, mouth and teeth.
Puberty means increasing levels of hormones and that means more
blood going to their gums. This extra blood usually results in
sensitive gums and more irritation to the gums.

During the teen years there are several events that may occur.

There may be the need for orthodontics (braces) for crowded,
crooked teeth or a poorly aligned jaw. It is even more important
to brush your teeth properly for those teens with braces as food
gets easily stuck in them.

Mouth guards should be worn when playing contact sports to
protect the upper teeth. They protect not just the teeth but the
lips and inner mouth too. If the teen has a bridge or other fixed
dental appliance on the lower jaw, the dentist may recommend that
the teen wear a mouth protector for the lower teeth as well.

Teens need to be careful about eating too many starches or sugars
that may increase the presence of plaque.

Teens should be encouraged to eat foods such as raw vegetables,
cheese, plain yogurt and fruit.

Nicotine from tobacco and cigarettes is unhealthy for many
reasons including that it stains your teeth. Teens face special
pressure from peers to smoke and should be encouraged to practice
how to handle this pressure.

To promote good dental health teens should adhere to the rule of
brushing at least twice a day, preferably after every meal if
possible. They should be using an ADA-accepted fluoride
toothpaste to aid in plaque removal and to strengthen tooth
enamel. Plaque is the enemy of their gums and teeth.

Teens are very self-conscience concerning their breath and smile,
so good dental care should be addressed when they mention their
concerns regarding appearance and breath.

Teens may also be curious about and wish to engage in oral
piercing. Oral piercing can cause complications including
bleeding, infections, and nerve damage. There is also a choking
hazard from studs, barbells, hoops that may become loose. The
metal in certain jewelry can chip or crack teeth and damage gums.
Teens who consider getting oral piercing should speak with their
dentist regarding these possible complications.

Teens who struggle with eating disorders such as anorexia and
bulimia can experience eroding tooth enamel. If a teen you love
is struggling with an eating disorder, remember to make a special
note to discuss how to protect their enamel with the dentist.

The independence that comes with being a teen can be a trying
time for parents to accept. Teens must learn to become
responsible for their health. Teens need guidance when facing
special dental issues, as well as patience and understanding.

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Gum disease can happen to anyone at any age. It is important to
protect your health by caring for your mouth, teeth and gums with
proper oral hygiene and regular visits to your dentist. Each
family member will have special oral needs at different times of
their lives.

Over all the steps a family can take to protect their oral health
are to:

Schedule regular visits with your dentist. Most insurance
programs pay for two yearly visits at 6-month intervals.

Brush teeth on a regular basis after meals.

Floss once a day to remove food particles from between your
teeth.

Use a mouth rinse daily.

Oral problems that need special attention from your dentist or
periodontist include:

Bleeding gums while you brush

Red, swollen or tender gums

If you notice that your gums have pulled away from your teeth,
exposing more of your lower teeth.

If you or someone else notices that you have persistant bad
breath.

You notice pus between your teeth and gums.

Your teeth become loose or seem to be separating from your gums.

You notice that when you bite down your teeth seem to fit
differently.

If you wear dentures, and you notice that they fit differently,
this could be a sign of gum disease.

Always tell your dentist if you are taking any medications
because some medications can cause dry mouth, or may have other
effects on your oral health.

Unborn babies and young babies:

Certain antibiotics if used during the last half of pregnancy can
discolor a babies first teeth. Tetracycline, is one antibiotic
known to do this, so pregnant women should inform all health care
providers that they are pregnant.

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The American Dental Association (ADA) has stated that evidence
exists that links bacteria in our mouth, present when there is
gum disease is linked to the occurrence of heart disease
including artery blockages and the increased risk for stroke.

On a daily basis you can actively prevent gum disease by brushing
your teeth properly to remove plaque, use a fluoride toothpaste
to help prevent tooth decay, floss your teeth daily so that you
can rid your teeth of the plaque in between them that your
toothbrush misses, and by using a antimicrobial mouth rinse to
provide extra help with plaque control. It is also important to
have your teeth cleaned professionally twice a year when you have
your dental exams. These dental exams can catch gum disease in
the early stage when it is reversible.

Eating healthy foods, drinking enough water daily and limiting
the amounts of sweets you eat are also important parts of your
oral hygiene. If you are a smoker, seriously consider quitting to
help improve your oral health.

If you are in a situation where brushing is impossible you can
still help prevent gum disease by rinsing your mouth with water
after eating. Rinsing your mouth with water, can reduce the
bacteria in your mouth by as much as 30%.

The best times to brush your teeth are after meals and at
bedtime. Ask your dental hygienist to show you the proper way to
brush and floss to be sure that you are doing all you can to
prevent gum disease. Don’t forget to scrub your tongue, as
bacteria love to hang out on the back of your tongue.

After brushing rinse your toothbrush thoroughly to rid it of the
food particles you just brushed off to prevent them from
re-depositing the next time you put it into your mouth.

Use a soft toothbrush to decrease your chance for gum
irritation.

If you don’t floss daily now, develop this habit to help prevent
gum disease. Brushing alone cannot get the plaque that gets
between your teeth. Flossing can reach these places that
otherwise would be breeding grounds for bacteria that causes gum
disease.

Use dental products that have the Seal of Acceptance from the
Amerian Dental Association (ADA) to be sure that the products you
use are safe and effective in preventing gum disease.

Certain toothpastes do more than just remove dental stains and
food particles from your teeth, they can also reduce the amount
of plaque present in your mouth. Some toothpastes are designed to
help reduce calculus (tartar), but only above your gum line. It
is important to avoid the toothpastes that contain abrasives that
can add to gum disease as well as all tooth whiteners that are
made of carbamide peroxide, because this chemical can breakdown
into hydrogen peroxide, which can cause damage to your gums.

Make sure that the floss you use does not shred or fray when
used, because this could irritate gums.

Do not use oral irrigators (water spraying devices) alone without
brushing, as they will not remove plaque from your teeth. You
must still brush and floss when using these devices.

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