Your oral health is the window to your overall health and taking good care of your teeth and enhance your health as well as your smile. Regular cleanings are crucial in maintaining good oral health. There are regular dental cleanings, and there are deep cleanings, otherwise known as periodontal maintenance. The two types of cleanings have many similarities. The biggest difference is that regular dental cleanings are done preventatively, which periodontal maintenance is done to take care of already existing problems.
What is Periodontal Maintenance?
Although periodontal maintenance is done after there are already existing issues, there are many parts of periodontal maintenance that also happen during regular dental cleanings. First, tarter will be removed just like in a regular cleaning. This includes getting in between the teeth and down to the gums, also called scaling and root planing. Unlike a regular dental cleaning, the pockets of the gums are also examined for any potential infection or inflammation. Following that, the area will be flushed with antiseptic which encourages disinfection and helps control infection or inflammation.
What is Periodontal Disease?
A deep cleaning, or periodontal maintenance, is only needed If you have periodontal disease that needs to be stopped. Periodontal disease is an infection in your gums, that can be caused by buildup of food particles and bacteria. Some symptoms of periodontal disease are swollen gums, bright red gums, easily bleeding gums, tender gums, painful chewing, loose teeth, and receding gums. Periodontal disease can lead to other conditions affecting your overall health. Periodontitis can be linked to diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, and even cancer.
Again, oral health is the window to the overall health, so it is important to stay healthy. If you believe you are suffering from periodontitis, or you could benefit from periodontal maintenance to prevent the development, please give our office a call and our periodontists can help.
Your oral health is the window to your overall health and taking good care of your teeth and enhance your health as well as your smile. Regular cleanings are crucial in maintaining good oral health. There are regular dental cleanings, and there are deep cleanings, otherwise known as periodontal maintenance. The two types of cleanings have many similarities. The biggest difference is that regular dental cleanings are done preventatively, which periodontal maintenance is done to take care of already existing problems.