Gum disease treatment can get you on the right track, but you must take the right actions in the future to maintain good oral health. If you don’t brush and floss, plaque can form on your teeth and harden into tartar in as little as 24 hours. You can prevent this from happening by cleaning your teeth twice a day or more. Seeing a dentist for a cleaning and exam twice a year or as recommended removes whatever you miss and spots problems that may be developing.
Following gum disease treatment, your dentist will probably recommend that you visit the dental office for treatment more often than twice a year – perhaps quarterly. During these visits for periodontal cleanings, the depth of pockets between teeth and gums will be measured to make sure they’re the same or getting better. The plaque above and below the gum line that you haven’t removed will be removed as well.
Your visit may also include:
- X-rays, which can help assess teeth root positions and detect bone loss
- Examination of previous restorations, including fillings, crowns, and bridges
- A check for decay
- An oral cancer screening of your entire mouth, including lips, tongue, face, and cheeks
- Professional polishing to remove remaining stains and smooth tooth surfaces above the gum line, and
- Hygiene recommendations about how you can brush or floss more effectively, perhaps including recommendations of ozone rinses, an electric toothbrush and more.
Smart oral hygiene and frequent periodontal cleanings can help you maintain the health of your gums and teeth as well as your overall health.
Choose a San Diego Dentist Association member for gum disease maintenance that will keep your oral health on track now and in the future.
For a free consultation on Gum Disease, call (619) 745-6870