Professional Cleaning / Periodontal Disease

Professional Cleaning

Patients over the age of three should visit their dentist for a professional hygiene cleaning at least twice a year. Although a healthy diet, good brushing and flossing will help you maintain great oral health, the ADA still recommends that you see your dentist for regular cleanings and exams. Oral cancer screenings are also done at each exam by Dr. Mommers on every patient. Ages 5-15 will be given a fluoride treatment by the hygienist. A fluoride treatment is the application of a fluoride solution or gel to the teeth as a means of controlling or preventing cavities.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an infection of the bone and gums that hold teeth in place. Periodontal disease is created by plaque and tartar build up on your gums. It is often painless and you may not be aware you have a problem until your gums and the supporting bone are seriously damaged. If left untreated, periodontal problems can eventually lead to infections and tooth loss. Good dental hygiene is a must in preventing gum disease. Good daily oral hygiene habits, regular visits to your dentist for checkups and professional cleanings will remove plaque or tartar build up and help keep your gums healthy and free of periodontal disease and infections. Periodontal disease can often be treated in the early stages with a treatment called scaling and root planning. Scaling removes plaque and tartar beneath the gumline. Then, the tooth’s root surfaces are smoothed, or planed. This treatment requires 1 or more visits.

Signs and symptoms of periodontal disease include bleeding, swollen or tender gums, bad breath that doesn’t go away, loose teeth, puss between your teeth and gums, or a change in the way your teeth fit together.

To find out more about the correlation between periodontal disease and overall health, visit these websites:

www.perio.org

www.americanheart.org

www.adha.org