Has it been a few years since your last cleaning?  Do you have chronic bad breath or a receding gum line?  You may have an (frequently painless) infection that can lead to the bacteria in your mouth entering your bloodstream.  This kind of bacteria is linked to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, strokes, Alzheimer’s Disease, preterm birth, and more. 

Over time, tartar builds up on the surfaces of your teeth, eventually making its way well below the gumline.  That tartar is full of bacteria and fungi. These produce ammonia and acids, which attack the teeth, gums and supporting bone.  This infection can cause redness, swelling (inflammation,) and bleeding of the gums.  This is known as gingivitis.  More than 50% of the US adult population suffers from this disease.  If the disease progresses, often due to genetic predisposition, medication-induced dry mouth or simple lack of care, it can spread to the bone that supports the teeth and gums.  This is known as periodontitis. 

Bone does not handle infection well, so it will begin to resorb.  If the resorption progresses far enough, teeth can become loose and even fall out.  Gum disease, not cavities, is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults and can actually start at any age.  The good news is that it can be caught early and stopped with regular care. 

Once the tartar has reached the root surface, the outside layer (cementum) will need to be debrided, much like a burn.  The dentist removes the superficial diseased layer so a new, healthy layer can form that bonds the tooth to the gums.  This non-surgical procedure is called Scaling and Root Planning.  Some practices call this a deep cleaning.  It is similar to a cleaning in some ways, but very different in that diseased tissue must be removed as well. 

Unlike a typical cleaning, you will need to be numb for this procedure.  After you are numb, the dentist removes the tartar and diseased tissue.  This will stimulate your body to make new cementum and establish a healthy seal.  This healthy seal keeps the bacteria in your mouth out of your blood stream, as well as helps prevent a multitude of common diseases.  Dr. Coon will screen for any sign of periodontal issues during your comprehensive exam.