Dental Care Evaluations by State

(Huffington Post)–Growing up, most of us learned how to brush our teeth and gums, and were instructed to do so at least twice a day, without exception — and for good reason. Beyond the obvious benefits of dental health, which include avoiding unsightly teeth stains and painful cavities, a healthy mouth has been increasingly linked to other health issues.

Just this summer, a study found a possible link between gum disease and an increased difficulty conceiving children, and periodontal disease has been linked to a host of heart problems — including coronary artery disease — as well as an increased chance of becoming diabetic. It seems fairly clear that oral health is something that we shouldn’t be neglecting. Unfortunately, a recent Gallup poll suggests that many Americans do just that.

Read more of the article here from Huffington Post

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

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.

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