Scaling and Root Planing: What is it?

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Whereas a regular dental cleaning is used to clean the visible portion of the teeth and gums, scaling and root planing (SRP) is a procedure designed to clean the tartar and plaque that has built up beneath the gumline.

What is Scaling and Root Planing?

Scaling and root planing involves the removal of the tartar and plaque that has accumulated beneath the gingival tissue (aka gums). During this procedure, the bacteria-filled plaque and tartar beneath the gingival tissue and on the root is removed and the pockets along the gumline are reduced the gingival tissue can reattach to the teeth.

Follow a Daily Dental Hygiene Routine

Gum disease can be serious, which is why following a daily dental hygiene routine is crucial. Your routine should include a two-minute brushing session twice a day. Your toothbrush should be soft-bristled and use a toothpaste that contains fluoride. In addition, flossing and using an antibacterial mouthwash should be performed at least once a day. Be sure to avoid tartar buildup by scheduling your biannual cleanings and exams.

The Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease

Recognizing and then treating gum disease as soon as possible will reduce the damage to the teeth, gum, and jawbone.

Recognizing gum disease:

  • The gums bleed while brushing and flossing.
  • The gums are inflamed.
  • Halitosis (chronic bad breath) develops.
  • The gums appear darker, more red.

During the first stage of gum disease, regular dental cleaning is usually prescribed. This dental cleaning addresses the visible portion of the teeth and gum. However, if the gum disease has progressed past the first stage, to clean the teeth sufficiently, a scaling and root planing procedure is required.

Since a scaling and root planing procedure takes longer than a regular dental cleaning, this procedure may require more than one visit.

Who Needs Scaling and Root Planing?

When a patient has a pocket depth that is more than 3 millimeters, scaling and root planing will be prescribed. The pus-filled pockets that have developed along the gumline are full of bacteria.

Unless dental care is sought, these pockets deepen and the bacteria begin attacking the jawbone, which causes it to start deteriorating.

If you are in the San Antonio, Texas, area and you are experiencing the symptoms of gum disease or you a dental cleaning, contact Tran Dental PC to schedule an appointment.

You can request an appointment using our online request form or by calling 210-674-3700. At Tran Dental PC, in San Antonio, Texas, we are dedicated to providing high-quality, custom-tailored, compassionate care. Tran Dental PC’s address is 6918 West Military Drive.

Frequent Brushing Reduces the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

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Atrial fibrillation, which is also referred to as AF or AFib, is a condition that causes arrhythmias. Arrhythmia is the term used for an irregular or quivering heartbeat. AFib can lead to blood clot formation. These blood clots can cause an individual to suffer a stroke, heart failure or some other heart-related complication. However, the good news is that studies indicate brushing your teeth three times a day makes it less likely that you will develop atrial fibrillation and blood clots, thus, reducing the risk of heart-related complications.

Studies Show the Importance of Frequent Brushing

The results of a Korean study were published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, a journal of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). During this study, researchers looked at data gathered from more than 160,000 people, whose ages ranged from 40 to 79. These individuals had national health coverage and had never experienced cardiovascular problems. After 10.5 years, the researchers conducted a follow-up and found that nearly 5,000 (3%) of the people developed AF and almost 8,000 (4.9%) of the people included in this study developed heart failure. Participants who took the time to brush their teeth three times every day reduced their risk of developing AF by 10 percent and of experiencing heart failure by 12 percent.

The Benefits of Frequent Brushing and Professional Cleanings

Individuals who get professional dental cleanings every six months also experienced a 7 percent decrease in the likelihood that he or she would experience heart failure. In addition, frequent brushing helps you keep your natural teeth, which is important when you consider that individuals who are missing a substantial number of teeth (22 or more) have a 32 percent higher risk of experiencing heart failure. In order to keep your natural teeth as long as possible, it is essential that you have regular cleanings and practice good oral hygiene.

How Poor Dental Care Affects the Heart

Neglecting to care for your teeth as recommended can lead to the development of periodontal disease, which causes inflammation and gums that bleed easily. Researchers believe that when an individual neglects to care for his or her teeth properly, as more and more bacteria build up in the mouth, the risk of this bacteria entering the bloodstream through abrasion or an opening in the gingival tissue (gums) increases.

Frequent tooth brushing reduces the number of bacteria present below the gum line and helps to prevent the development of periodontal disease, thus, reducing the likelihood that bacteria will enter the bloodstream. If the bacteria do enter the bloodstream, once it reaches the heart, the bacteria adhere to the heart valves, activating platelets, which is what leads to the development of a clot.

If you need professional cleaning and/or an exam, contact Tran Dental, Gentle Family Dentistry today at 210-674-3700 or by clicking here to fill out the online appointment request form.

Ways to Keep Your Gums Healthy

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Signs of gum disease include bleeding, tender, and sore gums, bad breath, loose teeth, and gum tissue that has become separated by teeth. Left untreated, gum disease can wreak significant havoc on your health. The good news, however, is that it can be easily treated when caught in the early stages, and in most cases, it’s reversible. Gum disease is also a highly preventable condition. Here’s how you can minimize your chances of getting it.

Brush and Floss Regularly

Gum disease occurs as the result of buildup of plaque and bacteria at and under the gum line. Brushing after every meal and flossing at least once per day will help keep both teeth and gums healthy. Flossing removes food particles from between the teeth that toothbrushes can’t access. It also helps to swish mouthwash or even just water around in your mouth.

Use a Toothpaste With Fluoride

Make sure the toothpaste you’re using contains fluoride as well as carries the seal of acceptance from the American Dental Association. It’s important to brush your teeth for at least two minutes twice per day — most people don’t brush nearly long enough.

toothbrush, floss etc.

toothbrushes, floss and more

Use an Antibacterial Mouthwash

If you’re already experiencing sore gums or other signs that you may be developing gum disease, talk with your dentist about using an antibacterial mouthwash.

Limit Sugary Snacks and Beverages

Sugary foods and beverages increase plaque on the teeth and gum line, so avoid them as much as possible. Soda, hard candy, and sweetened coffee drinks are particularly harmful to the teeth and gums if consumed on a regular basis. However, you can minimize the damage sugary beverages do by drinking them through a straw.

Avoid Using Tobacco Products

Cigarettes and chewing tobacco both contribute to gum disease as well as play a substantial role in the development of cancer cells.

Schedule Regular Cleanings

Having your teeth cleaned on a regular basis helps ensure that your teeth are as free from plaque and bacteria buildup as possible. Your dentist will also perform a thorough examination at this time and advise a course of treatment if any signs of gum disease are detected.

Please feel free to reach out to us for more information on maintaining good oral health.

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