Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Periodontal Maintenance: Learning to Love Your Teeth




Sometimes it is hard loving the things that benefit you the most. Not that you don’t value them, nor that you are unaware of the value. Sometimes you may become so accustomed to their place in your life that you are oblivious of how life would be without them. A case in point would be your teeth.

Considered what your life would be like without your teeth. In other words, think about not being able to chew your food?   Not being able to smile or speak confidently.  Ever consider wearing dentures?

So learning to love your teeth is an important life lesson especially as you age. One of the possible consequences as you age is getting Periodontal Disease. This infection is caused by bacteria that live on our teeth and under our gums. In a matter of hours after a cleaning,  a film develops on the teeth.  This matrix attracts bacteria and allows it to grow and prosper. If not managed properly, it becomes a chronic infection.

What all this means is that Periodontal Disease is an infection that is managed. It is not cured. It requires daily home care that addresses the disruption of bacteria in the mouth. Finding the right oral aids and protocol with your hygienist is only part of maintenance. Your visits for professional cleanings will ensure your efforts are working and to access areas that you are unable to reach. The recommendation of a three month interval is based on research and scientific evidence.

Consider how much you spend on other portions of your well-being. How much money and time do you spend when you go to a hair stylist? How many trips to the gym do you make in 3 months’ time for weight control and fitness? Why wouldn’t this be the same with your teeth?

The pathogens that cause Periodontal Disease are persistent. You must be persistent too! The disease can become active with just a short lapse of routine brushing and flossing. We often see advancing disease when a person's immune system is challenged, as in stress, illness, or even sleeplessness.

The consequences to your teeth could be serious. This starting inflammation may seem minor, but it is the exact precursor to advancing disease and bone loss. Dismantling the maturing biofilm (bacteria) is crucial at this time to reverse early invaders from spreading throughout the mouth. It is the time when uninterrupted bacteria become destructive and the body’s immune response goes “from healing damaged cells to harming healthy ones.”

It isn’t overreacting to include your dentist and hygienist as part of your regular health regimen. Professional cleanings not only aim to control Periodontal Disease, but will lessen the burden of inflammation in general in your body. The benefits of such regular cleanings—every three months if you have Periodontal Disease—are unquantifiable!



Here are some informative links for your further reading:

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