Preventive Care for Oral Health
What is preventive Dentistry
Preventive measures can affect your dental health immensely. Maintaining
home care practices along with regular visits to the dentist will go
along way toward maintaining optimal oral health. Daily brushing and
flossing along with other preventive procedures lead to removing
bacteria from the mouth. If allowed to build-up, bacteria and their
by products will adhere to the teeth, tongue and gums in the form of
plaque. Over time, plaque hardens into a substance called Calculus
( Tartar ). This leads us to gum disease ( Periodontal Disease). It
is estimated that by the age of 40, 70% of the nation's population
will have some stage of periodontal disease. Although genetics plays
a small role in its development, doctors agree that gum disease is
directly related to how well one cares for their teeth and gums. Home
care hygiene, along with professional dental assessments and cleanings,
will lead to early detection and proper maintenance of proper oral
health.
What to Expect from the Hygiene Appointment
- An introduction to the importance of oral health.
- X-rays are taken.
- The health of gums, teeth and supporting bone structure is
evaluated.
- Oral Cancer screening.
- Teeth are checked for cavities as well as any other problems.
- Evaluation of the condition and integrity of existing dental
restorations.
- Address any dental concerns patient may have.
- A professional assessment will determine the type of
cleaning required to address the oral health.
Periodontal (Gum) Disease & Its Stages
 Periodontal disease is the gradual infection of the gums and eventually
the bones of the mouth. The build-up of plaque will eventually harden
into calculus (tartar). Calculus contains bacteria which releases toxins
and sulphur compounds, that slowly decays the teeth and deteriorate
the gums and bone. The beginning stage of gum disease is known as Gingivitis.
Here the bacteria begin to weaken the connective tissue that holds
the gums to the teeth. This leads to swelling, bleeding and inflammation
of the gums. As the disease advances it becomes known as Periodontitis
which causes the gum tissue to decay and attacks the underlying bone.
This will lead to teeth becoming loose and eventually lost if periodontal
disease is not treated.
Treatment of Gums
During a professional cleaning, a dental hygienist or dentist will
utilize various instruments to remove plaque and or tartar from the
teeth, surrounding gums and soft tissue. The bacteria and its toxins
must be removed, so as to slow or stop the progression of gum disease.
Sometimes variations of gum surgery must be performed following treatment
of gums to re-establish oral health.
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