Teeth cleaning, gum treatment and air polishing in Koothattukulam

Signs of gum problems

• Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
• Red, swollen or tender gums
• Bad breath that does not go away
• Gums pulling back from the teeth
• Teeth that feel loose or have shifted

Bleeding gums are not normal. They are the first sign of gum disease, and early gum disease can be reversed.

Scaling

Your dentist removes the plaque and tartar from the teeth and just under the gum line. If the gum disease is more advanced, a deeper cleaning in more than one visit may be advised.

Gum disease treatment

Gum disease starts as inflamed gums (gingivitis). If it is not treated, it can spread to the bone that holds the teeth (periodontitis). Early on, it can be reversed. Later, it can be controlled, but the lost bone does not come back.

1. Examination. Your dentist checks your gums and the depth of the gaps around each tooth, and may take an X-ray.
2. Deep cleaning. Tartar is removed from above and below the gum line, and the roots are smoothed so that the gums can heal. More advanced cases may need more than one visit.
3. Review. We check that the gums are healing, and show you how to keep them clean at home.
4. Maintenance. Regular cleaning keeps the gum disease under control. If your gums need more advanced care, we will explain this clearly.

Gum disease is a common reason for loose teeth in adults, and it can make diabetes harder to control. Treating it early protects your teeth.

Air polishing

Air polishing uses a fine spray of air, water and a gentle powder to lift stains and soft plaque from the surface of the teeth. It is often used after scaling, and it can reach places that are hard to polish by hand, such as between teeth, around implants and around the small attachments used with Invisalign.

• Lifts surface stains from tea, coffee and tobacco
• Leaves the teeth feeling smooth and clean
• Many people find it comfortable
• A clean start before cosmetic treatment such as bonding or veneers

Air polishing removes surface stains only. It does not change the natural colour of your teeth, and it is not the same as whitening. Your dentist will tell you if it suits you, so mention any allergies or health conditions.

How often

Many dentists recommend a check-up and cleaning every six months. People with gum disease, diabetes or who smoke or chew tobacco may need to come more often.

Daily care that makes a difference

• Brush twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste
• Clean between the teeth once a day with floss or small interdental brushes
• Cut down on sweets and sugary drinks between meals
• Avoid tobacco and betel quid (paan), which harm the gums and raise the risk of mouth cancer
• Have any ulcer that does not heal in two weeks checked

Questions about teeth cleaning and gum care

This page gives general information. Your own treatment depends on an examination by your dentist. Individual results vary.