Routine cleanings make your smile shine! They prevent a build-up of stains, keep your gums in tip-top shape, and clear away harmful bacteria. Consistent dental cleanings keep your teeth and gums healthy and can aid in the reduction of your risk for heart disease and strokes. Proper gum care has also been shown to help in control of diabetes.

Although proper home care is necessary for good oral health, it cannot take the place of professional care.  Unfortunately with today’s food sources, home care by itself is not enough.  Routine professional cleanings are necessary for proper oral health care.

 

Brushing and Flossing Tutorial

 

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a low grade chronic infection… yes, infection… of the bone and gums surrounding the teeth.  In most cases it is a slowly progressing disease that many patients are not even aware of.  Some of the more common symptoms of periodontal disease are bleeding gums, bad breath, bad taste in the mouth, swollen gums, red and inflamed gums, aching or tender gums, areas where food routinely gets trapped, and loose teeth.

Periodontal disease has many contributing factors, but the most common factor is local irritants. If plaque is left on the teeth far a long enough period of time (it only takes about 48 hours), it begins to harden and calcify on the teeth.  If it is allowed to harden, you will not be able to brush or floss it away.  It is as if it is cemented to the teeth.  This tartar is made up of bacteria and their waste products.  This is what infects the bone and gums.  The end result, if left for a long enough period of time, is bone and gum loss around the teeth.  This can result in loose teeth that may need to be removed.

 

What if I have Periodontal Disease?

Fortunately, if caught early enough, we can treat periodontal disease and avoid tooth loss.  This requires removal of the offending bacteria by mechanical and, in some cases, medicinal means. Each individual case is different, so it is difficult to explain in detail what treatment would be involved. This is one of the many aspects of oral health that Dr. Erickson will evaluate at your initial consultation appointment.  If needed we will discuss this further at that appointment.

 

Systemic Concerns Associated with Periodontal Disease

As was stated, periodontal disease has been linked to heart disease, strokes, and diabetes. Poor oral health has been proven to be very detrimental to these and other systemic conditions.