What is Plaque?
Plaque is the accumulation of bacteria microorganisms and their products which sticks to the tooth surfaces. Dental plaque is soft and easily removed by brushing and flossing the teeth. Accumulation of plaque can lead to gum disease (gingivitis) and periodontal disease, as well as tooth decay.
What is Calculus (Tartar)?
Calculus is dental plaque that has mineralized. Calculus can form when plaque is not removed from the tooth surfaces. This plaque becomes old and eventually forms into calculus. Calculus can form above or below the gum line. The bacteria that sticks to calculus can cause gum disease (gingivitis) or periodontal disease. Calculus cannot be removed by brushing and flossing. A dental hygienist checks for calculus formation when you visit the dental office. It is removed with special instruments designed to adapt to the tooth surface affected without causing trauma to the soft gums.
What is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums. Some common features associated with gingivitis are red and swollen gums, and the presence of bleeding while brushing and flossing. The cause of gingivitis is the bacteria in dental plaque. This disease is reversible with good oral hygiene practices.
When should I see a Periodontist?
If you value your oral health as well as your overall health, anytime is good to see a periodontist for a periodontal evaluation.
What can I expect the first time I see a Periodontist?
During your visit, your periodontist will review your complete medical a dental history with you. It's extremely important for your periodontist to know if you are taking any medications or being treated for any condition that can affect your periodontal care. You will be given a complete oral and periodontal exam. Your periodontist will examine your gums, check to see if there is any gum line recession, assess how your teeth fit together when you bite and check your teeth to see if any are loose. Your periodontist will also take a small measuring instrument and place it between your teeth and gums to determine the depth of those spaces, known as periodontal pockets. This helps your periodontist assess the health of your gums. X-rays may be used to show the bone levels between your teeth to check for possible bone loss.
Can I have periodontal disease even if I don't notice any symptoms?
Yes. Periodontal disease affects three out of four adults at some time in their lives. It doesn't necessarily hurt and you may not even be aware that you have it until an advanced stage. That's why scheduling routine visits with your dentist is important.
How is periodontal disease diagnosed?
If you have healthy gums, they fit snugly around your teeth. With periodontal disease, the supporting bone and gum are destroyed, forming pockets around your teeth. Your dentist or dental hygienist can determine whether or not you have periodontal disease by measuring the depth of pockets. A periodontal probe, a dental instrument that is used like a ruler, is inserted into the pocket. The probe measures the depth of the pocket from the crest of the gingiva to the base of the pocket. A healthy sulcus ranges between 0 to 3 millimeters in depth. Spaces with a depth of more than 4 millimeters are called pockets and are evidence of periodontal disease and a depth greater than 6 millimeters indicates advanced periodontal disease. If your gum disease is left untreated, you may need surgery.
Can periodontal disease affect my general health?
Yes. Recent studies suggest periodontal diseases may impact a person's overall health. According to a report in the Journal of Periodontology, oral bacteria may enter the bloodstream through the diseased pockets caused by periodontal disease and may infect otherwise healthy vital organs. The Surgeon General warns of the possible relationship between periodontal infection and cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and the increased incidence in pre-term, low-weight babies.
Do I really need to floss?
Yes. It is very important that you floss your teeth once a day. The main reason to use dental floss is because floss removes the hard-to-reach plaque that tooth brushing misses. In fact, most dental decay and periodontal disease begin where teeth touch each other. Just remember, you don't need to floss all your teeth, just the ones that you want to keep.
If I lost teeth due to periodontal disease, can I still have dental implants?
Definitely. Most patients with adequate amounts of bone for dental implants. In some instances, however, more bone is needed before implants can be placed. There are predictable procedures to graft and regenerate the amount of bone needed for dental implants. Once sufficient amounts of new bone have been regenerated, enough dental implants can be placed to support a new dental prostheses.
When is it time to get a new toothbrush?
When the bristles are no longer straight, but tend to flare outward. This can happen as soon as three weeks or in three months. Toothbrushes were never meant to last a lifetime.