Bad breath after eating garlicky food? That’s normal. Bad breath that persists even after brushing and flossing? That could be a sign that something is off with your oral health. Bad breath is one of the first symptoms that alert both you and your Denver dentist that you could be dealing with periodontal disease. Though periodontal disease begins as a seemingly mild case of gingivitis, if not properly treated, the bacterial infection caused by harmful oral bacteria growth can inflict serious damage to teeth and gums. To learn how our dentists treat persistent bad breath through a deep dental cleaning procedure in our Denver practice, continue reading!
For a bad breath solution that treats the source of the problem, we recommend a deep dental cleaning for Denver patients with advanced periodontal disease. Our patient-centered approach to care ensures that you are as
Candidates for a Deep Dental Cleaning
A deep dental cleaning (also known as scaling and root planing) is not for everyone. For patients with bad breath caused by periodontitis, or advanced gum disease, a deep dental cleaning is the best way to eliminate oral bacterial infection and improve bad breath. Your dentist will be able to determine whether or not you are a good candidate for a deep dental cleaning, but often, candidates exhibit these symptoms before receiving treatment:
- Bleeding gums after brushing and flossing
- Red, inflamed, sore gums
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Bad breath
What to Expect During Treatment
Before the deep cleaning procedure begins, your dentist will ensure you are as comfortable as possible during and after the procedure. We can help you have a positive experience at your next dental appointment; discover the difference at our friendly, experienced practice in the heart of downtown Denver. Contact us to schedule your consultation.
our dentist will thoroughly numb the gums to ensure your comfort. Additional sedatives, such as “laughing gas” or an oral sedative may be given to patients who are fearful or anxious about the procedure. These will not only relax the mind, but the body, and will help create a more positive experience for you.
Once your gums are numb, your dentist will use special dental tools to carefully remove plaque deposits (where oral bacteria reside) and tartar (hardened plaque) from around the teeth and gum line. With advanced periodontal disease, “pockets” form below the gum line where the gum tissues have pulled away from the teeth. These quickly become infected and must be thoroughly cleaned to eliminate bad breath-causing bacteria. Sometimes, a topical antibiotic treatment is used. Then, the tooth roots beneath the gum line will be smoothed to prevent further bacteria from latching to the teeth.
Recovery and Gum Care
After the procedure, it’s normal for your gums to be sore for a few days. Your dentist may give you an antibacterial mouthwash to use, or provide oral antibiotics to take following treatment. Be sure to follow all post-operative instructions carefully to ensure your treatment will be as effective as possible. While your gum tissue is sensitive during the first few days, use care when brushing and flossing and do not brush with pressure around the gumline area. Opt for a soft diet to prevent irritation that could be caused by crunchy or hard foods.
To maintain fresh breath after your treatment, it’s crucial to maintain diligent at-home care for your teeth and gums. Twice daily brushings, daily flossings, and regular appointments with your dentist are the best ways to prevent periodontal disease from recurring. It may also help you to reduce your intake of starches and sugars, as they can fuel plaque buildup and throw off the delicate pH balance of your mouth.
Deep Dental Cleanings for Denver Patients
If you’re ready to banish bad breath caused by gum disease, contact our Denver practice to schedule your appointment. Named Top Dentist by 5280 Magazine, our practice has served the city of Denver for over 30 years and has helped thousands of Coloradans live life with healthier, more beautiful smiles. Call us today to schedule your next appointment!
