Periodontal Maintenance
Maintaining the health of both your gums and teeth is integral to overall systemic health. Periodontal maintenance involves removing plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. It has been linked to diabetes, heart conditions, and many other health issues. Most gum diseases are preventable with proper oral hygiene. However, what can start out as gingivitis (inflamed or bleeding gums) can quickly turn into periodontitis or advanced disease which typically involves bone loss, pocketing, and mobility. In such cases, gums pull away from the tooth to create “pockets,” thereby exposing a dental root to infection. The dental root is a softer more susceptible mineral structure in comparison to the outer hard enamel. It can also lead to prolonged bad breath, painful chewing, and other complications. After treatment for periodontal or gum disease, patients should return for periodontal maintenance to more routinely clean the teeth, gums and evaluate the foundational status of the oral cavity.