“Don’t Let Plaque Attack!
Dentists don’t just take care of teeth. They take care of your whole mouth, including the gum, bone and ligaments (periodontia) that support the structures of the teeth. New approaches to caring for these structures help dentists and hygienists work in partnership with you to keep your teeth for a lifetime. Gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss. That’s why these professionals care so deeply about brushing, flossing, home care, healthy lifestyle choices and all the other factors that affect your periodontal health.
Regular, frequent visits with your hygienists are imperative to maintaining your oral health in order to minimize the risk of and prevent the progression of periodontal disease. Plaque and calculus need to be removed from above and below the gum line, at times site specific. You hygienist cleans these deposits off your teeth, helping to eliminate the formation of “pockets”, spaces between the teeth and gums that can form all the way to the bone holding the tooth in place. Teeth loosen as pocket depths grow and periodontal disease progresses. The presence of plaque also contributes to root decay, or cavities.
The ads say “Don’t wait until it hurts”. You may or may not experience pain as the disease worsens but you are likely to lose some or all of your teeth. Periodontal therapy or deep cleanings at our office help your gums heal and eliminate these pockets. It is IMPORTANT to see your hygienist regularly! Tooth loss is not the only potential problem posed by periodontal diseases. Research suggests that there may be a link between this disease and other diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, bacterial pneumonia, and increased risk for problems related to pregnancy. |
