Periodontal Maintenance
Among the causes for periodontal (gum) disease are genetic susceptibility, smoking, and other illnesses like diabetes. Periodontal maintenance involves removing plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. Most gum diseases are preventable with proper oral hygiene. However, what can start out as gingivitis (inflamed or bleeding gums) can quickly turn into periodontitis. In such cases, gums pull away from the tooth to create “pockets,” thereby exposing a dental root to infection. It can also lead to prolonged bad breath, loose teeth, painful chewing and other complications.
Diagnosing Gum Disease
At your first exam we will take x-rays and do a gum assessment by measuring pocket depths. These measurements will tell us a lot about the health of your gums and what kind of cleanings we need to set you up for in the future.
Further Treatment
Maintaining the health of your gums is not a once a year hygiene visit. It happens every day at home with your morning and evening routine. We, as your dental team, will work with you multiple times a year to help you keep your gums and the supporting structures as healthy as we can with regular appointments, as well as give you tips to help you keep that routine going. Please let us know about your health, new medicines and any changes in your routine that may make it difficult to stick to a good hygiene regimen and we will find a new plan that works for you.