Periodontal Maintenance

Why is oral hygiene so important?
Other important factors affecting the health of your gums include:
Periodontal Disease
Preventing Gum Disease

Periodontal Maintenance will be needed for any patient that has a diagnosis of periodontitis or gum disease.  In almost all cases, once the diagnosis of gum disease is made, the patient will need a periodontal maintenance to clean their teeth every 3 to 6 months.  A traditional cleaning or prophylaxis will not maintain the health of the teeth, roots, gums, and bone anymore.  A periodontal maintenance will include probing of problem sites, record of these areas, and scaling and root planning where appropriate.  If a periodontal maintenance appointment is missed and disease reactivates, then another round of scaling and root planning may be needed to debride the mouth back to a maintainable level.  Supplemental use of Arestin, a localized antibiotic, may be needed at your periodontal maintenance appointments.  Special attention will be given to problem sites, ways to improve home care through hygiene instructions, and a dialogue on how to best stop the progression of gum disease and reverse its affects.

Periodontal diseases are infections of the gums, which gradually destroy the support of your natural teeth. There are numerous disease entities requiring different treatment approaches. Dental plaque is the primary cause of gum disease in genetically susceptible individuals. Daily brushing and flossing will prevent most periodontal conditions.

Why is oral hygiene so important?Dynamic Dentistry office exterior

Adults over 35 lose more teeth to gum diseases, (periodontal disease) than from cavities. Three out of four adults are affected at some time in their life. The best way to prevent cavities and periodontal disease is by good tooth brushing and flossing techniques, performed daily.

Periodontal disease and decay are both caused by bacterial plaque. Plaque is a colorless film, which sticks to your teeth at the gum line. Plaque constantly forms on your teeth. By thorough daily brushing and flossing you can remove these germs and help prevent periodontal disease.

Periodontal diseases can be accelerated by a number of different factors. However, it is mainly caused by the bacteria found in dental plaque, a sticky colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. If not carefully removed by daily brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into a rough, porous substance known as calculus (or tartar).

Other important factors affecting the health of your gums include:

  • Smoking
  • Diabetes
  • Stress
  • Clenching and grinding teeth
  • Medication
  • Poor nutrition

Periodontal Disease

Bacteria found in plaque produces toxins or poisons that irritate the gums, which may cause them to turn red, swell and bleed easily. If this irritation is prolonged, the gums separate from the teeth, causing pockets (spaces) to form. As periodontal diseases progress, the supporting gum tissue and bone that holds teeth in place deteriorate. If left untreated, this leads to tooth loss.

Preventing Gum Disease

The best way to prevent gum disease is effective daily brushing and flossing as well as regular professional examinations and cleanings. Unfortunately, even with the most diligent home dental care, people still can develop some form of periodontal disease. Once this disease starts, professional intervention is necessary to prevent its progress.

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