What treatment is often the first line for managing periodontal disease?

Scaling and root planing (SRP) is considered the first line treatment for managing periodontal disease due to its targeted approach in removing plaque and calculus from below the gumline. This deep-cleaning procedure involves scaling the teeth to eliminate all deposits and then smoothing out the roots to promote reattachment of the gum tissue. By effectively reducing inflammation and bacterial load in periodontal pockets, SRP can halt the progression of periodontal disease and facilitate better oral hygiene management for the patient.

Other treatments, such as fluoride treatments, are generally more suited for caries prevention and are not specifically effective in treating periodontal disease. Full mouth extraction is extreme and typically reserved for severe cases of tooth loss or non-restorable teeth, rather than as a primary approach to managing periodontal issues. Antibiotic therapy can be beneficial as an adjunct to SRP but is not effective as a standalone treatment. The combined action of SRP addresses the root causes of periodontal disease significantly more effectively than these alternatives.