Laser Bacterial Reduction Treatments From Your Dentist Can Promote Improved Oral Health

16 March 2020
 Categories: Dentist, Blog

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Your mouth is filled with bacteria. Some are helpful, while others can cause cavities and gum disease. Bacteria in your mouth can even spread through your body and cause health complications. If the health of your mouth is affected by bacteria, your dentist might recommend laser bacterial reduction. Here's an overview of how this treatment works.

The Laser Isn't Hot And It Doesn't Cut

There are several types of medical lasers used by doctors and dentists. The laser used for bacterial reduction isn't dangerous, since it doesn't cut your mouth or burn your gums. Instead, the light can actually stimulate healing of your gums, and although the light won't hurt you, it's strong enough to kill bacteria.

Having a treatment is easy since all it entails is having a laser light moved along your gum line. If you have gum disease, the light can be directed in the pockets of infection to clear the infection and help your gums heal.

You Might Need Multiple Treatments

The purpose of laser bacterial reduction is to get rid of bacteria that thrive in your mouth and lead to gum disease. As a benefit, lessening the load of bacteria in your body could help your immune system and reduce the risk of harmful bacteria getting in your bloodstream and causing harm to an organ like your heart.

If you have a mild gum infection, you may only need a single treatment, and the laser treatment might be combined with a dental cleaning. A more serious infection might require planing and scaling treatments along with multiple laser treatments.

The Reduction In Bacteria Could Last A Long Time

The laser treatment causes a vast reduction in the amount of bacteria in your mouth, but bacteria gradually repopulate. However, when the load of bacteria is low during this time, your gums have the chance to heal and tighten. You can help the results you get by practicing good oral hygiene and watching your diet so you don't feed the bacteria and cause them to flourish.

Your Dentist May Provide Routine Laser Treatments

Anyone can have this procedure done, even if you don't have gum disease. If you have a condition where the bacteria in your mouth could affect your health, then you may want to add laser bacterial reduction to your preventative dental care. Even if you're in good health, having laser bacterial reduction with your scheduled dental cleanings helps maintain your oral health.

Undergoing laser bacterial reduction isn't painful, but if you're worried about pain, your dentist might offer a topical anesthetic. The laser treatment only takes minutes to complete. Talk to your dentist to learn more.