Dental Hygiene Care & Perio Maintenance

Dental Hygiene Care

Maintaining good dental hygiene is one of the most important things you can do for your teeth and gums. Healthy teeth not only enable you to look and feel good, they make it possible to eat and speak properly. Good oral health is important to your overall well-being.

Daily preventive care, including proper brushing and flossing, will help stop problems before they develop and is much less painful, expensive, and worrisome than treating conditions that have been allowed to progress.

Between regular visits to the dentist, there are simple steps that each of us can take to greatly decrease the risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease and other dental problems:

• Brush thoroughly twice a day and floss daily
• Eat a balanced diet and limit snacks between meals
• Use dental products that contain fluoride, including toothpaste
• Rinse with a fluoride mouth rinse if your dentist advises you to
• Make sure that your children under 12 drink fluoridated water or take a fluoride supplement if they live in a non-fluoridated area
• Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams
• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months

Perio Maintenance (Gum Care)

Rather than just addressing the visible part of your tooth (the crown), it is necessary to preserve the tooth root, gums, and bone as well. Periodontal (gum) diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are serious infections that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss.

Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. The main cause of periodontal disease is bacterial plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. If plaque is not removed, it can turn into a hard substance called calculus (tartar) in less than two days.

Treatment options depend on the stage of the disease and may include scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), medication, or referral for surgical procedures. Maintaining good oral hygiene at home is essential to help keep periodontal disease from becoming more serious or recurring. Regular dental visits for professional cleanings are key to maintaining gum health.