Periodontal disease is a very persistent infection, so after an initial treatment in our dental office, a patient will need regular follow-up care to prevent it from coming back. Every patient has different needs and our highly experienced hygienist will make sure they provide you with a regimen that’s best suited to you and your dental needs. Periodontal maintenance is a two-pronged approach. Firstly, a patient will need to practice consistent oral hygiene at home, brushing and flossing every day, and they will also need to visit our office more often for regular cleanings. This is proven to keep periodontal disease bacteria under control and preserve a patient’s long-term oral health. Our hygienists are very well trained to provide suggestions to better improve our patients valued gum health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gum disease is best treated when it’s caught in the early stages, which is why our team at SA Family dentsit performs a periodontal exam at every one of your checkups and cleanings. It’s also important to let us know if you experience any of the symptoms of gum disease, such as bleeding whenever you brush or floss. That way, we can begin periodontal (gum) disease treatment in San Antonio right away and save your smile. For your convenience, we’ve answered some of our most frequently asked questions about gum disease down below.
The bacteria associated with gum disease can eventually weaken the structures that keep your teeth firmly anchored in place. This may cause your teeth to shift, loosen, or even fall out! Since missing teeth come with a whole host of oral health problems, you’re going to want to prevent this at all costs.
There have even been studies pointing to a link between advanced gum disease and other medical conditions like diabetes and heart disease. This might be the result of the infection spreading from your mouth to the rest of your body and wreaking havoc on your overall health.
Being proactive about your oral health is the best way to keep gum disease at bay. This means brushing and flossing daily to remove leftover food particles and plaque that, if left to accumulate, could contribute to gum infections. Attend dental checkups on a regular basis. If you currently smoke or chew tobacco, ask your dentist in San Antonio for resources that can help you quit. Be sure to also let us know which medications you’re taking because some drugs can increase the risk of gum inflammation. Lastly, limit your consumption of sugar and eat plenty of mouth-healthy foods instead, like cheese, yogurt, and leafy greens.
Our mouths are full of bacteria. These bacteria, along with mucus and other particles, constantly form a sticky, colorless “plaque” on teeth. Brushing and flossing help get rid of plaque. Plaque that is not removed can harden and form “tartar” that brushing doesn’t clean. Only a professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist can remove tartar.
There are a number of risk factors for gum disease, but smoking is the most significant. Smoking also can make treatment for gum disease less successful. Other risk factors include diabetes; hormonal changes in girls and women; diabetes; medications that lessen the flow of saliva; certain illnesses, such as AIDS, and their medications; and genetic susceptibility.
While a procedure called scaling and root planing might sound painful, you shouldn’t experience much discomfort at all during your appointment. This is because Dr. Patel/Mehta will numb your mouth with a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort before the procedure begins. You may feel some minor soreness for a few days afterward, but it’s nothing that can’t be managed by taking an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed. It also helps to avoid hot or spicy foods until your mouth has finished healing.