Periodontal Maintenance
Infections of the gums is known as Periodontal Disease. It gradually destroys the support of natural teeth. This disease requires different treatment approaches. The primary cause is dental plaque in genetically susceptible people. Most periodontal conditions are prevented by brushing and flossing every day.
Why is oral hygiene so important?
Periodontal disease is the main cause of tooth loss in adults over the age of 35. Good brushing and flossing techniques that are done daily is the best way to prevent both periodontal disease and cavities.
Bacterial plaque causes periodontal disease and decay. Plaque sticks on your teeth at the gum line because it is a colorless film. It’s constantly forming on the teeth. By brushing and flossing every day, these germs are removed and can help prevent periodontal disease.
A number of different factors can speed up periodontal disease. It’s mostly caused by the bacteria that’s in dental plaque. If someone doesn’t daily brush, plaque can harden into a rough and porous substance known as tarter or calculus.
Other factors that can affect the health of your gums:
- Diabetes
- Smoking/Vaping
- Poor nutrition
- Stress
- Medication
- Clenching and grinding teeth
- Mouthbreathing
Periodontal Disease
The bacteria that is found in plaque can produce poisons or toxins that bother the gums, which can cause them to turn red, bleed easily, and swell. If the irritation happens for a long time, the gums can separate from the teeth. That causes pockets (spaces) to form. The supporting gum tissue and bone that hold the teeth in place starts to break down as periodontal disease progresses. Tooth loss is the result when this disease is left untreated.
Preventing Gum Disease
Daily brushing and flossing is the best way to prevent gum disease. Regular professional exams and cleaning also help.
Veneers/Crowns
Veneers are thin, semi-translucent “shells” typically attached to your front teeth, usually with the use of little or no local anesthetic. Crowns cover the whole surface of the teeth for added strength. They are customized from porcelain or metal material and permanently bonded to your teeth.
Veneers or crowns are commonly used to correct:
- Spaces between the teeth
- Broken or chipped teeth
- Permanently stained or discolored teeth
- Crooked or misshapen teeth
Veneers or crowns are a great aesthetic solution for your smile and may even help you avoid orthodontic treatment. However, sometimes orthodontics is needed to improve the bite so veneers or crowns can be done.
Bridges
A bridge is a dental solution that fills a space where a tooth previously occupied (missing tooth). A bridge may be necessary to prevent the shifting of teeth, to fix bite problems, or to ensure the strength and integrity of the surrounding teeth.
Fixed bridges consist of a filler tooth (pontic) attached to two crowns in order to hold the bridge in place. “Maryland” bridges, commonly used to replace missing front teeth, use tooth-colored metal bands bonded to surrounding teeth. These are not as permanent as conventional bridges.
Implants
Implants can be used as a single tooth replacement, anchors of bridges, or increase the stability of dentures.
A rod-like implant is fused to the bone so that it can’t be removed. A crown is placed on top of the rod. However, patients must keep the fake tooth clean or it can loosen from the infection from bad brushing/flossing.
When discussing an implant with your dental professional, they will be able to tell you if additional procedures are needed (like bone grafting) before implants can be placed.
Some people are asked to get orthodontics to align the teeth and bite better so implants can be done.
