Periodontal Therapy
 Gum disease occurs in stages, and more than half of adults over the age of 30 have some form of it. This disease forms from excess plaque on your teeth and gums, which can easily be prevented with proper brushing techniques, flossing, and regular visits to the dentist and periodontist. If you feel you are at risk, you should talk to us right away. If you catch gum disease in the early, gingivitis stage, it could be reversed with proper cleaning and care.
Periodontal MaintenanceA periodontal maintenance procedure (PMP) is defined as a procedure that is recommended following periodontal treatment (such as scaling and root planing) and continues at varying intervals, determined by the clinical evaluation of the dentist.
These intervals can be as frequent as every two months and they can be extended as long as six months, depending on the patient. Keeping up your PMP interval is important because periodontal disease can recur without adequate follow-up.
PMP includes removal of plaque and tartar above and below the gums, scaling and root planing of specific areas, and polishing. PMP is always completed following active periodontal treatment such as scaling and root planing or more extensive gum surgery.
Reducing Gum Soreness During Gum Disease TreatmentWhen you are getting treated for gum disease, your gums are often a bit sore. This does go away on its own, but sometimes that can be longer than you want to wait. If your gums are sore and you want to reduce their soreness, give these quick remedies a try:
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You can try rinsing your mouth with a little bit of saltwater, as this helps speed healing to sore spots within your mouth. Add about a teaspoon of salt to approximately 8 oz. of warm water and rinse with that. Make sure to spit after you rinse, as the mixture is not good for you to swallow.
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If your gums are really tender, you can try cool or warm compresses on the outsides of your cheeks. If that doesn't help much, try holding a bit of cool or warm water in your mouth for a minute, then spitting or swallowing it (since it's only water) is a bit more direct of a method.
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Rinsing with water that has essential oil mixed in can also help. Peppermint oil has an anti-microbial property, while tea tree oil has an anti-inflammatory property. Both of these can help your gums feel better. |
If the soreness is extreme, contact our office at (509) 452-7115, and we may be able to give you other ideas that can help take the pain away. |
410 S. 12th Ave, Yakima, WA 98902
Call Us for an Appointment: (509) 452-7115 
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