THE CARE BEHIND A HEALTHY SMILE
Periodontal Maintenance
- Patti Valentyne
5.0
Periodontal maintenance therapy is a program designed to prevent the progression of periodontal (gum) disease in the gum tissue and bone that supports the teeth. Periodontal maintenance is necessary for patients who have been diagnosed with periodontal disease.
Maintenance visits can help to prevent additional problems in the future, such as further bone and tooth loss. Treating the disease in its early stages can help to save a patient from not only oral and overall health issues, but also in a financial aspect.
Why is periodontal maintenance necessary?
Gum disease is caused by the bacteria found in plaque. Toxins produced by the bacteria causes our bodies to destroy the bone that supports the teeth. If plaque remains on the gums and teeth, it can harden and form calculus (tartar) that can increase periodontal problems.
Even patients dedicated to good oral hygiene will be unable to completely prevent the formation of all calculus on the teeth. Calculus will form when the minerals in the saliva harden, or calcify, as plaque on the teeth. Plaque is soft and sticky, and is continually forming. It is important to ensure proper, thorough brushing and flossing on a daily basis to remove the plaque before it has the chance to solidify into calculus.
Flossing and brushing will aid in keeping calculus formation to a minimum, but regular maintenance is needed to professionally remove what has accumulated. During a maintenance cleaning, the hygienist will evaluate and record a patient’s periodontal pocket depths and check for hidden periodontal problems.
BENEFITS OF PERIODONTAL MAINTENANCE INCLUDE:
- Fresher Breath: Not even the best mints can mask stinky breath. Bad breath is an indicator of periodontal disease, which is caused by rotting food particles below your gum line, gum infection, and periodontal issues. During Periodontal maintenance, plaque, calculus, and bacteria are removed, which alleviates irritation and freshens up your breath.
- Tartar Removal: Even the best brushing and flossing at home is not enough to remove debris, bacteria and gum pocket deposits, because specialized dental equipment and techniques are needed in order to treat problems like tartar, also known as calculus and plaque buildup.
- Beautiful smile: Improve your aesthetics! Gain confidence again when you finally get rid of the teeth stains that never seemed to go away. Say bye to the yellow, stained teeth and say hello to a polished smile!
- Improve Your Overall Health: Healthy gums lead to good overall health! Periodontal disease causes gum pockets to increase in depth, which increases a home for bacteria that can potentially travel to your bloodstream and infect other areas of your body. Keeping up with periodontal maintenance helps alleviate gum issues and reduce gum pocket depth, allowing you to remain healthy.
