Maintaining good oral health goes beyond brushing and flossing. Periodontal maintenance plays a crucial role in keeping your gums healthy and preventing serious dental conditions like gum disease. If you’ve been advised by your Dentist in Croydon to undergo periodontal maintenance, it’s important to understand what it is and why it’s necessary for your long-term dental health. In this blog post, we will explain the importance of periodontal care and how regular maintenance can help preserve your smile for years to come.
Understanding Periodontal Health
Before we dive into the details of periodontal maintenance, it’s essential to understand what periodontal health involves. The term “periodontal” refers to the tissues that support your teeth, including your gums, bones, and ligaments. These tissues are responsible for keeping your teeth in place and healthy.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, occurs when bacteria in the mouth cause inflammation of the gums. In the early stages, it’s known as gingivitis, which is characterised by red, swollen gums that may bleed when brushing. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that affects the bones supporting your teeth. This can lead to tooth loss if not properly managed.
The Importance of Periodontal Maintenance
Periodontal maintenance is a specialised dental cleaning procedure designed to keep your gums and teeth in optimal health. Unlike routine cleanings, periodontal maintenance is typically recommended for patients who have previously experienced gum disease. This maintenance helps prevent the recurrence of gum disease and ensures that your gums remain healthy.
1. Prevents the Recurrence of Gum Disease
One of the primary benefits of periodontal maintenance is that it helps prevent the recurrence of gum disease. After undergoing initial periodontal treatment, regular follow-up care ensures that any pockets of bacteria in your gums are regularly cleaned, preventing further infection.
If you’ve been treated for periodontitis, your Dentist in Croydon will likely recommend more frequent cleanings (every 3 to 4 months) to keep your gums healthy. This helps reduce the risk of the disease progressing and causing irreversible damage to your oral health.
2. Keeps Your Gums and Teeth Healthy
Periodontal maintenance involves more than just cleaning. During each session, your Dentist in Croydon or dental hygienist will thoroughly remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line, where it’s harder to reach with regular brushing. This helps reduce inflammation, promote healing, and support overall gum health.
The process also helps prevent bad breath, as the accumulation of bacteria under the gums can cause unpleasant odours. Regular periodontal maintenance can make a significant difference in the long-term health of your gums and teeth.
3. Protects Your Overall Health
Did you know that gum disease has been linked to various health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and stroke? Keeping your gums healthy through periodontal maintenance can reduce your risk of developing these serious health issues. Gum disease has been shown to increase the risk of inflammation throughout the body, potentially contributing to these systemic conditions.
By maintaining your periodontal health, you’re not just protecting your smile – you’re also looking after your overall well-being.
The Periodontal Maintenance Process
1. Evaluation and Consultation
Before starting your periodontal maintenance programme, your Dentist in Croydon will evaluate the condition of your gums and teeth. They will check for any signs of gum disease, such as swollen or bleeding gums, and measure the pockets around your teeth to determine the severity of the disease. Based on this assessment, they will recommend a maintenance schedule tailored to your needs.
2. Professional Cleaning
During your periodontal maintenance appointment, your dental professional will clean both the visible and hidden surfaces of your teeth. Special instruments are used to remove plaque and tartar that have built up below the gum line, which helps prevent the development of further gum disease.
In some cases, scaling and root planing may be performed to smooth the roots of the teeth, making it harder for bacteria to cling to them. This deep cleaning is vital for maintaining the health of your gums and preventing the disease from returning.
3. Ongoing Care
Following your initial periodontal treatment, your Dentist in Croydon will recommend regular follow-up visits. These visits may occur every 3 to 4 months, depending on the severity of your condition. Regular check-ups allow your dentist to monitor your gum health and make adjustments to your care plan if necessary.
Conclusion
Periodontal maintenance is a vital part of your oral care routine, especially if you’ve had previous issues with gum disease. By committing to regular visits with your Dentist in Croydon, you can maintain healthy gums, prevent future dental issues, and protect your overall health. Don’t wait to take action – schedule your next periodontal maintenance appointment today and keep your smile looking and feeling its best.
At Norbury Dental, we’re here to provide the expert care you need for long-lasting oral health!