Oral health is fundamental to the overall health and wellbeing of an individual. You use your mouth and teeth to taste, chew, and swallow your food. It is also your only vehicle to communicate effectively, smile, or even cry.
However, periodontal disease compromises and leads to deterioration of your oral health. This disease occurs because of unhealthy oral hygiene and it can lower the quality of your life.
Luckily, periodontal disease can be avoided and treated.
Various dental procedures, including scaling and root planing, treat periodontal disease. But without regular periodontal maintenance, deterioration of your oral health is likely to continue.
Find out more about periodontal maintenance and its benefits in this article.
What is considered periodontal maintenance?
According to the American Academy of Periodontology Glossary of Periodontal Terms, periodontal maintenance is a “procedure performed at selected intervals to assist the periodontal patient in maintaining oral health.”
Moreover, periodontal maintenance plays an important role in periodontal disease treatment by preventing its progression.
Periodontal disease is a chronic disease that occurs due to the growth of bacterial colonies on your teeth – above or below your gum line. These colonies of bacteria continue to grow and release toxins that cause inflammation.
Periodontal disease also affects your bone and gum tissues by causing deterioration. Your gums inflame and pull away from the teeth, which eventually leads to tooth loss.
The bacterial growth also spreads into the pockets between the gum and bone, and eventually enters your blood circulation if continuously left untreated.
Periodontal disease may go unnoticed in its initial stages. It also affects your immune system with the potential to damage other organs.
If you suffer from periodontal disease, you need periodontal maintenance to prevent the disease from spreading further. It is crucial for you to go for regular dental appointments and take extra care to ensure good oral health.
Benefits of Periodontal Maintenance
Periodontal maintenance facilitates optimal oral health and stops the progression of periodontal disease. The following are some of the benefits of periodontal maintenance.
Removal of Plaque
Periodontal disease is caused by the formation of plaque below and above the gum line. Regular hygienic practices like brushing, rinsing, and flossing aren’t enough to prevent plaque accumulation.
Only experienced dentists can address this problem of removing the plaque to prevent inflammation of the tissues.
Good Oral Health
With periodontal maintenance comes good oral health.
Periodontal diseases can also lead to halitosis, also known as bad breath. As such, regular maintenance of your teeth and gums prevents plaque buildup and settling bacteria. This, in turn, minimizes or completely eliminates bad breath.
Gum Disease Cleaning
Your dentist can detect the presence and address your gum disease after a thorough examination of your oral cavity. In doing so, he or she catches advanced periodontitis or gingivitis in time, before your gums recede or teeth fall out.
Brighter Smile
Periodontal cleaning removes plaque, which prevents tooth loss and gum deterioration. As a result, your teeth remain intact and you can smile without hesitation.
Who Performs Periodontal Maintenance?
Your treatment is specifically curated based on the severity of your disease.
In severe cases, you receive periodontal maintenance from a periodontist. A periodontist is an expert in the treatment of oral inflammatory diseases. An orthodontist is responsible for correcting teeth alignment that is disturbed by the disease.
FAQs About Periodontal Maintenance
How can periodontitis be cured?
Periodontitis is a chronic disease that is both preventable and treatable with good oral hygiene and regular attendance to see a dental hygienist for periodontal maintenance sessions.
How do we combat chronic periodontitis efficiently?
You can combat chronic periodontitis and its inflammatory signs effectively by practicing good oral hygiene, seeking plaque and tartar removal, and going for periodontal maintenance sessions.
Are teeth cleaning and periodontal treatment painful?
No. With the aid of a local anesthetic, teeth cleaning and periodontal treatment are not painful.
What causes bone loss in teeth?
Periodontal diseases cause bone loss in teeth through bacterial infections and decay.
Is it possible to reverse gum disease or cure it?
It is entirely possible to treat and cure gum disease, especially in its early stages. Consult your local dentist to discuss the ideal treatment options for your condition.
What is a dental recall?
Dental recall refers to the follow-up visits to the dental office after a major dental treatment or procedure. The frequency of the recommended visits may vary depending on your condition.
Does insurance cover gum recession surgery?
Yes, The insurance covers gum recession surgery because gum disease is considered to be a serious and potentially dangerous medical condition.
Why can’t periodontitis be cured?
With periodontitis, bacterial colonies cause gum inflammation. Plaque and bacterial removal can stop the disease from progressing and temporarily relieve the issue. However, bacterial infection may continue to spread because of existing gum pockets and bone loss.
What can I do to treat my own periodontal disease?
You should never try to treat your own periodontal disease because you risk worsening the situation. Use good oral hygiene practices to prevent the periodontal disease altogether, but be aware that there is no way to treat it yourself. If you see any sign of periodontal disease, go to a professional dental clinic immediately.
Book Your Periodontal Maintenance Appointment in Houston Now
Once gum disease sets in, it is difficult to treat. That’s why regular periodontal maintenance is necessary to prevent gum disease from occurring or spreading. If your gums ache or bleed, then it is high time that you consult a certified dentist.
At URBN Dental, our doctors take the time to examine your condition and customize a treatment plan specific to your condition and expectations. So book an appointment at the nearest dental clinic in Houston and improve your overall health.
