Dental Hygiene & Preventative Care

Regular professional hygiene visits involve deep in-office cleanings, and homecare coaching strategies, that assist you in maintaining good long-term oral health.

The early signs of periodontal disease, or gum disease, are subtle and are often overlooked by the individual.

Periodontal Disease is an inflammatory process, or infection, of the soft and hard tissues that support your teeth.

Initial stages of gum disease involve red, sore, swollen gums that bleed when brushing or flossing.  Later stages involve loss of the supportive boney structure holding the teeth in the mouth.  In addition to becoming loose, teeth are often lost due to this process.

Periodontal disease begins with the naturally occurring bacteria in our mouths.  When bacteria and food deposits form into a plaque, and not removed effectively over time, they form into hard deposits called calculus, or tartar.

Tartar, if left alone, will result in chronic inflammation of the gums and eventual loss of supportive bone.  Once formed, tartar can not be removed by brushing or flossing alone.  This infectious process can be held in check through regular professional cleanings and through effective home care practices.

Diagnosis occurs in the dental office.  The dental hygienist will inspect the gum and bone health by using a probe (measuring for swelling and pockets in the gums) and an x-rays (measuring bone levels and for bone loss).  The presence of disease and the health of the oral cavity in general is determined at the initial hygiene visit.

Treatment is multifaceted.  If an inflammatory process is determined to be at the initial stage, gingivitis, regular hygiene visits and modifications to home care practices is usually all that is required.  However, if the process has moved on to a later stage where there is notable gum and bone loss, referral to a Periodontist (a specialist in the treatment of gum disease) may be necessary.  In some cases, periodontal surgery is required to assist in resorting good oral health.

Periodontal health begins with establishing effective oral health practices.  Initial treatment begins with regularly scheduled professional cleanings and effective home care.  In addition to brushing and flossing, daily care specific to your dental needs will be determined by the dental hygienist during your time together.

Good oral health throughout your life is possible through the maintenance of a partnership between you and your dental team.