HYGIENE AND PERIODONTAL CARE

Since peri means “around” and dont means “tooth,” periodontal refers to the things around the teeth. These are the foundations upon which our teeth are secured.

Historically, most of our attention has been focused on the bone and gums, along with the tartar (or calculus) that builds up around the teeth. But we now know there’s so much more than what is visible to our eyes. Microscopy gives us a real-time look at what types of microbes inhabit our periodontal spaces. Bacteria, fungi, viruses, and even parasites can be found in the mouth; and they all play a role in the health or disease states of the periodontal environment.

But the effects are found even beyond the mouth. Periodontal disease has been linked to much larger, systemic issues like:

Cardiovascular disease (heart attacks, strokes, atherosclerotic CV disease) Diabetes Alzheimer’s Respiratory disease Pregnancy complications (low birth weight and premature birth) Chronic kidney disease Rheumatoid arthritis Cognitive impairment Obesity Other chronic inflammatory conditions

Bottom line: your periodontal health is very important. We still use hand-scaling along with ultrasonic and piezo instruments. But additionally, we will recommend personalized ozone therapies that are a very effective way of re-establishing the terrain of the mouth when necessary.

We are also learning about lasers and how they may be integrated to offer the most optimal periodontal care to our patients.

Contact us to find out more!