Full Mouth Debridement

Question:

My dentist recommended that I get a full mouth debridement.  What does this mean and will it hurt?

Answer:

A full mouth debridement is a very thorough deep cleaning procedure performed by the dentist or hygienist.  In order to fully explain this procedure let’s examine three areas:

• Why a full mouth debridement is needed
• What a full mouth debridement consists of
• Instructions for what to do after a full mouth debridement

Why a full mouth debridement is needed

This procedure is needed if you have an excessive buildup of calculus or have some form of gingivitis or periodontitis  (Please read more about these conditions here).  But to offer a brief recap, gingivitis and periodontitis are caused by bacteria that are left around our teeth and gums when we are not brushing and flossing adequately.  As a result, the gums become red, swollen, and inflamed.  If left untreated, this can progress to periodontitis, which consists of losing the bone around the teeth.  This leads to loose teeth and eventually the teeth falling out.

What a Full Mouth Debridement Consists Of

Before this procedure is performed, the dentist or hygienist records a series of numbers called periodontal probings.  The hygienist will stick this small probe beside your tooth and slightly under the gum in order to obtain the pocket or sulcus depth.   The pocket depth is an indication as to whether the gum tissue is healthy.  A healthy pocket ranges from 1-3mm.  An unhealthy pocket is 3 mm and above.

The next step is to use a Cavitron (electric scaler) or hand instruments to clean the teeth.  The hygienist places the tip of the scaler on the tooth and manually scrapes off the calculus, bacteria, and other debris.  The scaler also reaches under the gum tissue to remove deep down debris and bacteria.  Sometimes anesthesia is used so that you won’t feel the scaler reaching under your gum tissues.

The procedure itself does not hurt.  It you feel some discomfort, ask your hygienist to administer some anesthetic.  This should take away all pain.  The only thing you will feel are some vibrations on your teeth.

Instructions for what to do after a full mouth debridement

After a full mouth debridement, your teeth may be somewhat sensitive.  Here are some possible steps than can be taken to avoid sensitivity:

• Ask your dentist to polish your teeth with a densitizing agent (BEST OPTION)
• Avoid cold drinks or food for a few hours after the procedure.
• Use a toothpaste or mouthwash for sensitive teeth (although this measure sometimes take up to 1-2 weeks to have an effect)

All in all, the health of your gum tissue should be restored and healthy before getting any other work done.

And most importantly, remember to brush and floss daily to maintain your dental work and nicely cleaned tooth surfaces.

Sincerely,

SaveMySmile Team

Why are my gums receding?

Question:

Why does [the gum push down away from my tooth]? It looks like there won’t be support to my tooth if it [keeps] on happening. Is there any solution for it?

Answer:

It sounds like what you’re describing is a severe case of gingival recession.

What Causes Gingival Recession

Severe recession usually results from gingivitis or periodontitis.  Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums around the tooth.  Periodontitis is similar to gingivitis, except it also includes loss of bone around the tooth and shrinkage of the gum tissues away from the tooth.

How to Prevent Gingivitis/Gum Recession

You want to try your best to preserve the tooth and its surrounding structures.  The gums (gingiva) usually shrink away from the teeth because bacteria have accumulated in areas around the tooth.  The bacteria cause our immune system to react in several ways to fight it off.  A combination of our immune system reactions and the harmful toxins released from the bacteria lead up to periodontitis (the gums shrinking away from the tooth).

The best way to treat this is to FLOSS EVERYDAY especially around this tooth and be sure to brush thoroughly all surfaces of your teeth.  If not, bacteria will continue to accumulate around your gumline and continue to add to your condition.

Is the tooth loose?  If so, you may need to visit your dentist for further evaluation.

Is there plaque or calculus around the tooth?  If yes, you will need a dental cleaning in order to effectively remove all of the bacteria from this area.

If the gum recession is severe, you can always visit your dentist for a periodontal graft to assist in replacing the tissue.

As a reminder, be sure to begin to take steps to treat this situation now.  If allowed to worsen, the tooth could eventually become loose and even fall out.  View our articles on Brushing and Flossing for more details on how to properly clean your teeth.

Good luck,

SaveMySmile Team

Signs of Gingivitis

Gum disease, known as gingivitis (or it’s more severe form, periodontitis), refers to the inflammation of the gums (gingiva).  It results from accumulation of bacteria near the gum line, causing bacterial invasion into the tissues of the body.  If not addressed and treated, gingivitis will lead to recession of the gums, bone loss, tooth loss, and systemic disease.

Signs of Gingivitis

• Swollen gums
• Bleeding gums (especially when brushing or flossing)
• Shiny or red gums
• Associated pain
• Bad breath or foul smelling gums
• Gum recession (teeth appear longer)

Causes of Gingivitis

• Most often caused by plaque accumulation and poor oral hygiene habits
• Hormonal changes (i.e. pregnancy)
• Certain medications that may suppress the immune system

Gingivitis is a mild form of inflammation.  Unlike it’s more serious form, periodontitis, gingivitis can be treated quickly and easily if addressed in a timely fashion.

Treatment for Gingivitis

• Improve oral hygiene habits – Brush after each meal and floss every day.  If this regimen is followed precisely, the bleeding will eventually stop.
• Incorporate a mouth rinse, preferably with chlorohexidine, into your daily routine.  This can assist with the removal of unwanted bacteria.
• Visit the dentist and get a cleaning – The dentist will be able to effectively remove plaque and calculus, the main causes of gingivitis.  However, it’s up to you to maintain the plaque free mouth after this point.
• Antibiotics – If serious, the dentist may prescribe antibiotics to control the bacterial invasion.

All in all, gingivitis can easily be managed if addressed early.  Take the right steps in keeping up with your oral hygiene to maintain a healthy smile.

Have more questions?  Feel free to leave a commit or submit a question to be included in our FAQ’s.

Flossing Basics

Oh the dreaded floss.  We all know that we need to do it…everyday that is.  So why don’t most people floss?  It is a time-consuming task; however the benefits of flossing are MORE than worth the additional five minutes it takes to complete the tedious task.

So why floss your teeth?

• Mouthwash and a toothbrush can’t reach every surface of your teeth! Flossing removes the food buildup and bacteria that is located between your teeth.
• Most cavities arise from bacteria located between the teeth – This area is often overlooked. Many feel that if they can’t see it, then it isn’t a problem. However, if given the chance, microscopic bacteria can and will accumulate and begin the demineralization process of enamel slowly leading to cavities, pain, and bacterial invasion.
• You don’t want bleeding gums do you? – Bleeding gums is a sign of inflammation! If you don’t floss regularly, you can expect some minor bleeding when you start out. But don’t quit. Bleeding gums indicates gingivitis, and even worse periodontitis. If severe enough, this will lead to recession of the gums and loose teeth. Flossing removes irritating bacteria from being allowed to infiltrate your gums and cause infection.

Proper steps to flossing

• Start off with a long strand of floss (around 15 inches or so) and wrap it around each middle finger
• Use your index finger to guide the floss between your teeth
• Once the strand of floss is between your teeth, follow the curvature of each tooth in an up and down motion about 2-3 times. Don’t be afraid to push the floss under the gums, this is a critical area that needs to be cleaned.
• Remove floss and repeat with each tooth, making sure to use a clean section of the floss each time.

How often should I floss?

It’s best to floss a minimum of once a day

I tried to floss and my gums started bleeding, should I stop?  Is something wrong?

Do not stop.  This is a sign of inflammation and indicates that you haven’t flossed in awhile.  Continue to floss everyday and the bleeding will stop.

Have more questions?  Feel free to leave a commit or submit a question to be included in our FAQ’s.

Happy Flossing!