BCOH Periodontal Prevention

By educating our patients about periodontal disease and recommending regular dental exams and cleanings, we hope to keep our patients’ gums healthy. Daily brushing at home is critical as it only takes 24 hours for the plaque that is not removed from your teeth to turn into tartar. While brushing your teeth helps control plaque and tartar formation, there are always going to be those hard-to-reach places that need special attention from your dentist and hygienist.

For those patients who show signs of early-stage periodontal disease, also known as gingivitis, we typically perform one to two cleanings to clear the buildup of plaque and tartar. We advise these patients to have regular maintenance cleanings during which we can remove the plaque and tartar buildup from above and below the gum line and ensure that gums look irritation-free.

In addition to your periodontal cleaning and evaluation, your regular exam and cleaning appointments will usually include:

• Examination of diagnostic X-rays: Dental X-rays are essential for the detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.
• Examination of existing restorations: We check current fillings, crowns and other dental restorations to ensure there are no problems requiring repair or replacement.
• Examination of tooth decay: All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with special dental instruments.
• Oral cancer screening: We check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, cheek tissues and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
• Oral hygiene recommendations: We review and recommend oral hygiene aids as needed (e.g. electric toothbrushes, special periodontal brushes, fluorides, rinses, etc.)
• Teeth polishing: We remove stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.

Good oral hygiene practices and professional cleanings are essential in maintaining dental health and keeping periodontal disease under control.