We all know brushing our teeth daily is essential for good oral health. But did you know that periodontal maintenance is just as necessary? Periodontal care (PM) refers to regular visits to the dentist to clean, examine and treat your gums. It’s an essential part of maintaining long-term oral health because it helps prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar, reducing the risk of gum disease and other dental problems. This blog post will discuss why PM is so important and how you can incorporate it into your daily routine.
What is Periodontal Maintenance?
Periodontal maintenance is a type of dental care recommended for patients with a history of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums that can destroy the bone around the teeth, causing the teeth to become loose and eventually fall out. Periodontal maintenance aims to remove tartar (hardened plaque) from areas where the gum tissue has attachment loss and to help prevent further attachment loss. Periodontal maintenance cleanings are more profound than regular dental cleanings and are performed more frequently (usually every 3-4 months).
The Importance of Periodontal Maintenance
- Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting your teeth. It is a significant cause of tooth loss in adults. Periodontal disease can occur at any age, but it is more common in people over 40.
- The early stage of periodontal disease is called gingivitis. In gingivitis, the gums become red and swollen and bleed easily. The condition is reversible at this stage and can be treated with a professional cleaning and good oral hygiene habits at home.
- If gingivitis is not treated, it can progress to periodontitis. In periodontitis, the gums and bones that support the teeth are destroyed. The teeth may eventually become loose and have to be removed.
- Periodontal maintenance is a type of preventive dental care that helps control gum disease by removal of plaque and tartar deposits below the gum line, which regular brushing and flossing cannot remove. The goal of periodontal maintenance is to prevent further damage to the gum tissue and bone around the teeth and control bad breath caused by gum disease.
- Periodontal maintenance visits are typically scheduled every 3-6 months, depending on your individual needs as determined by your dentist or hygienist. During these visits, plaque and tartar will be removed from above and below the gum line using special instruments. Your teeth will also be polished to
How Often Should You Get Periodontal Maintenance?
Periodontal maintenance is a vital part of keeping your mouth healthy. This type of cleaning is usually done by a dentist or periodontist, which helps remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line. Regular periodontal maintenance can help prevent gum disease and tooth loss.
Periodontal maintenance is an essential part of keeping your smile healthy for life! Most dental professionals recommend getting periodontal maintenance done at least once every three to six months. However, if you have a history of gum disease, you may need to get this type of cleaning done more often.
What Happens if You Don’t Get Periodontal Maintenance?
Periodontal maintenance is a deep cleaning that removes the bacteria and tartar from below the gum line. If you don’t get periodontal maintenance, the bacteria in your mouth will grow and cause inflammation. This can lead to gum disease, the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. It is important to get this procedure every 3-6 months to keep your gums healthy and your teeth strong.
Conclusion
Periodontal maintenance is an essential part of long-term oral health. If neglected, gum disease can cause pain, inflammation, and tooth loss, which can overall impact your well-being. Regular periodontal maintenance with a qualified dentist or hygienist will help keep your teeth and gums healthy for the long term and prevent further damage from developing. Ultimately, taking care of your teeth now will save you a lot of time and money!
