Taking good care of the smile is essential to avoid problems such as periodontal disease. However, sometimes children do not brush and floss thoroughly and may be at risk of developing gum disease. At Park View Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, our team of providers can help children care for their smile to not only avoid the development of this condition, but to treat it if it occurs.
Methods of treatment
There are many ways in which periodontal disease may be treated. Periodontal disease may require:
- Thorough cleaning of the teeth and gums
- Application of antibiotics
- Scaling and root planing
Scaling and root planing is the most aggressive of the three treatments. This particular treatment removes tartar and plaque from the surfaces of the teeth, gums, and even the roots of the teeth that are underneath the gum line. Doing so can remove pockets of bacteria that may be increasing the severity of the infection and causing more long-term damage to the smile.
When is scaling and root planing needed?
In most cases, scaling and root planing is necessary for the later stages of periodontitis. Most children can eliminate the risk of their condition becoming this severe with early diagnosis and intervention. This is exactly why the dental team at Park View Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics encourage children to be seen by their dentist every six months for a cleaning and evaluation. By doing so, our dental team can monitor for changes in the smile that may indicate a problem. This includes redness and swelling of the gums, bleeding, and bacteria that is commonly seen with periodontal disease. The earlier the condition is treated, the more likely children will avoid extensive treatment and damage to the smile caused by the later stages.
Has your child received a diagnosis of periodontal disease?
Now is the time to work with the dental staff at Park View Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics to discuss the need for treatments such as scaling and root planing. Our practice is located at 800A Fifth Avenue, Suite #303 in New York, NY, and can be reached to request an appointment at (212) 879-6518.