ORAL HEALTH SPECIALISTS

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is a highly common infection of the periodontal tissues (gums and bone) that are responsible for supporting the teeth. These infections are caused by bacteria that grow on the teeth near the gum line due to poor brushing and flossing practices, inability to clean beneath the gum line and/or chronic persistent health conditions. Periodontal disease is known as gingivitis during its earliest stages, which is typically characterized by sore, swollen gums that may bleed easily. Allowed to progress, advanced periodontal disease may set in causing pain, receding gums and pockets between the gums and teeth. Known as periodontitis, this type of periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among American adults – even more so than decay.
Dental Treatment - Periodontics in Gaithersburg and Washington DC

DID YOU KNOW?

Periodontal disease has been associated with a number of risk factors aside from poor brushing and flossing habits. In fact, the risk of developing gingivitis or periodontitis increases if you have systemic disease like heart disease, as well as conditions like diabetes and AIDS. Other factors that may contribute to the development of periodontal disease include stress, genetics, crowded teeth, faulty dental restorations, and the use of certain medications that may cause dry mouth. According to the Centers for Disease Control, women are also at an increased risk for periodontal disease when they are undergoing hormonal changes, such as with menopause or pregnancy.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I have periodontal disease?

        You may have gingivitis or periodontitis if you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above. However, the only way of knowing for sure whether you have periodontal disease is via a professional  periodontal exam. Keep in mind that you may have periodontal disease and be asymptomatic; so be sure to visit your dentist for a thorough exam and cleaning at least twice per year.    

What will a periodontist do if I am diagnosed with periodontal disease?

        Your treatment will depend on whether you are diagnosed with gingivitis or periodontitis. Minor cases of periodontal disease are usually treated with a thorough cleaning and topical antibiotic. If, however, your periodontal tissues have begun to deteriorate and your gums have begun pulling away from your teeth, you may require a more complex treatment.    

Will I need to do anything to prevent periodontal disease from returning?

Yes. Periodontal disease can reoccur – especially if you do not make any changes to your brushing and flossing habits. By brushing after every meal, flossing once daily, avoiding tobacco, and getting frequent professional dental cleanings, you could help prevent periodontal disease from returning in the future.

CAUSES OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE

Periodontal disease is common among dental patients and is the leading cause of tooth loss among American adults. It develops as the result of an accumulation of harmful bacteria harbored in hardened plaque on the teeth both above and beneath the gum line. Plaque is usually brushed or flossed away; but plaque allowed to remain on the teeth for more than one to two days can harden into tartar. Only a professional periodontal cleaning can remove tartar, which can cause periodontal disease as long as it remains on the teeth. Over time, this disease can cause gum inflammation, bone deterioration, receding gum lines, and loose teeth.

DID YOU KNOW?

In addition to poor brushing and flossing habits, several other factors can contribute to the development of gingivitis and periodontitis. They include:
  • Genetic predisposition to periodontal disease
  • Age
  • The use of medications that cause dry mouth
  • Defective or poorly fit dental appliances and restorations
  • Tobacco usage
  • Improper nutrition
  • Hormonal changes
  • Systemic diseases, such as heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • Auto-immune diseases, such as AIDS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What should I do if I have some of the risk factors of periodontal disease?

If you have one or more risk factors for periodontal disease, it is especially important that you visit your dentist for periodic exams. A thorough examination can reveal gingivitis in its early stages, allowing for easier and more conservative treatment options. If you are experiencing symptoms of periodontal disease, such as gum inflammation or bleeding, schedule a periodontal visit immediately.

How will my periodontist treat gum disease?

Depending on the extent of your gum disease, you may require a topical antibiotic, a deep tooth cleaning and polishing (scaling and root planing), flap surgery, and perhaps bone or gum grafting.

What should I expect following periodontal treatment?

        Your post-treatment recovery will vary depending on the type of treatment you undergo. However, your periodontist will probably evaluate your risk factors to determine what types of habits may have contributed to the development of periodontal disease. You may be advised to make lifestyle changes to help prevent gum disease in the future.    

How to Brush Your Teeth

Brushing your teeth is probably a standard part of your daily routine, but chances are you aren't following the American Dental Association's guidelines for cleaning your teeth properly. The ADA currently recommends that Americans brushing their teeth a minimum of two times each day – preferably morning and night or anytime you eat foods that contain sugar. When you brush, your toothbrush should be tilted at a 45 degree angle to your gum line. As you brush, be sure to remove debris from every surface of the teeth – including the backs of the teeth, near the gum line, and on chewing surfaces. It is also important to brush your tongue, as bacteria can accumulate there and cause malodorous breath.
Dental Care - Periodontics in Gaithersburg and Washington DC

DID YOU KNOW…

That the type of toothbrush you use makes a difference in your oral health? The ADA recommends using a soft-bristled toothbrush with a head that is ergonomically proportioned to the inside of your mouth. Many patients erroneously believe that medium or hard-bristle toothbrushes are more efficient; but these brushes can actually cause abrasions to the teeth and gums, making them more vulnerable to decay. The ADA also recommends replacing your toothbrush about four times yearly or whenever the bristles become frayed.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Should I change my brushing habits?

        You may need to change your brushing habits if you are experiencing signs of poor oral hygiene. Examples of common symptoms include bleeding or reddened gums, excessive plaque build-up, decaying teeth and receding gum lines. To find out if you are brushing correctly or if you need to change your brushing habits, make an appointment with your periodontist for a full consultation.    

What should I expect if I begin brushing my teeth correct?

        The benefits of proper tooth brushing techniques may not be experienced immediately, but they are noticeable long-term. Over time, brushing too hard or not brushing enough can produce oral health complications that cannot be reversed and require special treatment. By adopting proper brushing habits, you could avoid expensive dental and periodontal bills in the future.    

Is there anything else I need to do in addition to brushing properly?

        Yes. It is important that you also floss daily and use toothpaste that contains fluoride each day. You should also schedule dental exams and professional cleanings at least twice per year.  Further, a periodontist can instruct you in additional oral hygiene techniques to help prevent future periodontal disease.    

HOW TO FLOSS YOUR TEETH

Flossing is an important part of an oral hygiene routine, but research suggests that fewer than half of Americans do so daily. Flossing is simple and only takes an extra couple of minutes per day. Developing a healthy habit of flossing can prevent tooth decay and gum disease, and it may allow you to keep more of your natural teeth as you age. So what is the most effective means of flossing?
Pull the floss taught and slide it between two teeth.

Pull against the side of one tooth, creating a “C-shape” and sliding upwards to remove plaque build-up.

Pull against the opposite tooth edge using the same technique.

Repeat this process for each tooth until all inner surfaces have been flossed.

Don't forget to floss the backs of your molars!

NEED SOME EXTRA TIPS?

The American Dental Association recommends using a strand of floss approximately 18 inches in length. It is important to only use clean floss as you move between the teeth. One of the easiest ways of doing this is by looping each end of the floss around your fingers and beginning to floss with the area closest to one end. If you have never flossed, be sure to ask your dentist for a quick in-person tutorial at your next check-up.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Should I be flossing?

        Yes. The ADA recommends that everyone floss in order to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Even if you have restorations, such as crowns or veneers, good oral hygiene is essential for prolonging their use and maintaining your oral health.    

What types of results should I get from flossing?

You may not experience immediate results from flossing, but over time, your habit will pay off. Flossing can prevent tooth decay, gum disease and tooth loss – all of which can be highly inconvenient and expensive to treat in Gaithersburg and Washington, DC. A piece of floss that costs just pennies could save you thousands of dollars later on.

Is there anything else I should be doing in addition to flossing?

Yes. In addition to flossing, you should be adopting proper brushing techniques and visiting your Gaithersburg and Washington, DC dentist at least twice per year for examinations and professional dental cleanings.

Electric Brush versus Manual Brushes

Preventative dentistry is about more than just visiting your Gaithersburg and Washington, DC dentist twice yearly for an exam and thorough cleaning. In fact, the majority of your preventative care is done at-home as a part of your normal hygienic routine. Many Gaithersburg and Washington, DC residents use manual toothbrushes to remove debris and plaque from their teeth. However, electric brushes have become widely popular in recent years, leaving some to wonder whether one type is better than the other.
Electric Brushing - Periodontics in Gaithersburg and Washington DC

DID YOU KNOW…

The American Dental Association does not lean toward one type of brush over the other? It does, however, acknowledge that people with upper body mobility restrictions may better benefit from an electric toothbrush instead of a manual brush. Regardless of which type you decide is right for you, the ADA recommends that all brushes be soft-bristled so as to avoid abrasions that can lead to decay and receding gum lines.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Which toothbrush should I be using?

You can effectively brush your teeth with either a manual toothbrush or an electric one. However, the rapid movements of motorized versions may be more effective at removing plaque from the teeth and gum line. If you have questions about which toothbrush is best for you, speak with your Gaithersburg and Washington, DC dentist about it at your next visit. He or she may recommend an electric brush with an oscillating head or a brush that includes a timer to let you know how long to brush.

What types of results should I be getting from by toothbrush?

Regardless of whether you choose an electric brush or a manual brush, it should be easy for you to maneuver in your mouth and behind your back teeth. If the head is too big, it may not be effectively removing plaque from your teeth.

My electric toothbrush was expensive. Do I need to change it as often as a manual brush?

Yes. Your toothbrush should be replaced at least once every three to four months or whenever you notice fraying. However, most electric toothbrushes come with interchangeable heads. In other words, you won't need to replace the entire device – only the brush itself.

BAD BREATH

Having bad breath can be an embarrassing problem – especially if you are regularly face to face with other people. Known professionally as halitosis, bad breath plagues many Americans every day. Most cases of bad breath can be remedied by efficiently brushing the teeth. However, some types of bad breath are chronic or recurring, which may warrant a visit to the dentist or periodontist.

DID YOU KNOW…

That bad breath can be caused by something as simple as eating too much garlic, or that it could be a serious symptom of disease? Some of the most common causes of bad breath include dry mouth, certain medications, use of tobacco, poor dental hygiene, and oral infections. In rare cases, bad breath may be a sign of diseases like cancer or gastroesophageal reflux.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I need treatment for my bad breath?

        If your bad breath does not improve despite self-care techniques, such as dietary adjustments and thorough tooth brushing, you may need to see a periodontist. Keep in mind that short-term remedies like gum, breath mints, and mouthwash may temporarily freshen breath, but they are not a solution to the underlying problem.     

What should I expect a periodontist to do about my bad breath?

Your visit will begin with an examination and questions about your daily habits, such as the types of foods you eat and the medications you take. Your dentist may then inspect your mouth for signs of decay, infections or gum disease that could be causing your bad breath. If your chronic bad breath cannot be traced to an oral problem or daily habit, you may be referred to a physician for further evaluation.

Is there anything I can do to maintain better breath?

Yes. If bad breath is a source of embarrassment for you, try to keep breath fresheners on-hand at all times. Sleep with your mouth closed, as this prevents dry mouth and helps tame morning breath. Eliminate odor-causing foods from your diet, such as garlic and onions, and make an effort to brush your teeth and tongue every morning and night. Finally, be sure to visit your dentist for professional cleanings at least twice per year to remove built-up plaque that can cause chronic halitosis.

Dental Health and Your Diet

Your body works hard to convert the foods you eat into energy. You may not think twice about what you are eating – especially when it comes to grabbing an afternoon snack or sipping on a vanilla latte on your commute. But the food you put in your mouth affects more than just your waistline. The truth is, your diet has a direct effect on your overall dental health. Developing good eating habits can lead to excellent oral health free of decay and gum disease. The American Dental Association recommends avoiding certain foods that can expedite decay, such as foods high in sugar.
Healthy Smiles - Periodontics in Gaithersburg and Washington DC

DID YOU KNOW…

That eating a slice of pie in the afternoon could be more dangerous to your oral health than eating the same piece of pie as a dessert after dinner? According to the ADA, snacking between meals – especially on sugar-filled foods – can more rapidly lead to decay than eating the same foods with meals. If you must eat the mid-afternoon pie, reach for the toothbrush afterward. Better yet, swap the pie for a nutritious, sugar-free snack like string cheese or some baby carrots.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Should I change my eating habits to better my oral health?

Probably. But never start a new diet without first consulting with your physician. If you are on a special diet, be sure to speak with your dentist about the types of foods you should be eating that comply with your diet and can also optimize your oral health.

What types of changes will my periodontist recommend?

In addition to avoiding sugary foods, the ADA recommends drinking plenty of water each day and avoiding snacks between meals whenever possible. It is also important to consume nutritious foods from each of the major food groups, including whole grains, vegetables, lean proteins, low-fat dairy, and fruits. Not only will you improve the health of your teeth and gums, but you may drop a pant size too!

Are there any other habits I should be adopting to improve my oral health?

Yes. You should be flossing daily and brushing twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush. You should also be visiting your Gaithersburg and Washington, DC dentist at least twice per year for oral exams and professional dental cleanings.