PREVENTING GUM DISEASE
Adults over the age of 35 lose more teeth to gum diseases than to cavities. At least three out of four adults are affected at some time in their life. The best way to prevent cavities and periodontal diseases is by daily thorough tooth brushing and flossing techniques and regular professional examinations and cleanings. Unfortunately, even with the most diligent home dental care, people can still develop some form of periodontal disease. Once this disease starts, professional intervention is necessary to prevent its progress.
Periodontal diseases are ongoing infections of the gums that gradually destroy the support of your natural teeth. Periodontal disease affects one or more of the periodontal tissues: alveolar bone, periodontal ligament, cementum, or gingiva. While there are many diseases that affect the tooth-supporting structures, plaque-induced inflammatory lesions make up the majority of periodontal issues and are divided into two categories: gingivitis and periodontitis. While gingivitis, the less serious of the diseases, may never progress into periodontitis, it always precedes periodontitis.
THE PERIOSCOPE
This is a new technology developed for the treatment of periodontal disease. The perioscope is an endoscope that has been specifically designed to explore and visualize the pocket (space) under the gum of teeth involved with periodontitis. An image on a computer monitor shows the diseased tooth’s root surface. The perioscope enables the clinician to see the contents of the periodontal pocket and to analyze the root surface of the tooth for disease, causing bacterial accumulations (plaque and calculus).
The perioscope guides the clinician during the process of cleaning the root surface free of plaque and calculus – the treatment for periodontitis. It also allows the clinician to identify other problems (cracks, perforations, and other disease-causing flaws of the tooth root’s surface) that are located under the gum – previously requiring surgery to detect.
DENTAL PROPHYLAXIS
A dental prophylaxis is a cleaning treatment performed to thoroughly clean the teeth and gums. Prophylaxis is an important dental treatment for stopping the progression of gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Professional teeth cleaning is an effective procedure in keeping the oral cavity in proper health and halting the progression of gum disease.
THE BENEFITS INCLUDE:
- Plaque removal. Tartar (also referred to as calculus) and plaque buildup, both above and below the gum line, can result in serious periodontal problems. Unfortunately, even with a proper home brushing and flossing routine, it can be impossible to remove all debris, bacteria, and deposits from gum pockets. The experienced eye of a dentist or hygienist using specialized dental equipment is necessary to catch potentially damaging buildup.
- A healthier-looking smile. Stained and yellowed teeth can dramatically decrease the esthetics of a smile. Prophylaxis is an effective treatment in ridding the teeth of these unsightly stains.
- Fresher breath. Bad breath (or halitosis) is generally indicative of advancing periodontal disease. A combination of rotting food particles (possibly below the gum line) and potential gangrene stemming from gum infection, results in bad breath. The routine removal of plaque, calculus, and bacteria at our facility can noticeably improve halitosis and reduce infection.
Dental prophylaxis can be performed at our office or by your general dentist. It may be beneficial to have your regular cleanings done by Drs. Markle or Herman, who is more familiar with the full scope of your periodontal disease. We recommend that prophylaxis be performed twice annually as a preventative measure, but should be completed every 3-4 months for periodontitis sufferers. It should be noted that gum disease cannot be completely reversed, but prophylaxis is one of the tools Drs. Markle or Herman can use it to effectively halt its progression.
The best way to prevent gum disease is to properly care for your teeth at home and to continue regular visits to the dentist for professional cleaning and exams. If you notice any signs of gum issues, such as red or swollen gums, bleeding, or pain, please give us a call to schedule an appointment.