Mulberry Dental

 What you can do

The best way to fight against periodontal disease is by good homecare.

• Brush you teeth with a soft or extra-soft toothbrush.  Always brush in a circular motion at a 45 degree angle at the gumline.  Don't forget to brush your tongue (bacteria love to hide there).  Use an ADA approved anti-gingivitis toothpaste that has fluoride, such as Colgate Total.  Try to brush 2 times a day for at least 2 minutes.  If it is possible, brush after all snacks and meals.  We recommend an electric toothbrush such as a Sonicare or Oral-B.
• Floss everyday and/ or use an interdental cleaner the way your hygienist or dentist has instructed you to do.
• The dentist may prescribe a special rinse that fights agianst plaque.
• Get regular professional cleanings and checkups.  Remember, the earlier you are aware that you have gum disease the quicker you can treat,  and the easiest it will be to control it.
• Do not smoke or use any other forms of tobacco.

Did you Know?

The first toothbrush had bristles made of hog's hair and a handle made of bone. 

Many years ago, people used a mixture of honey, lemon juice, and tobacco to clean their teeth. 

 What may need to be done

The dentist may recommend nonsurgical treatment.  The goal of this type of treatment is to minimize the bacterial plaque in the mouth and create conditions that will allow the tissues in the mouth to heal.  These treatments include:

• Debridement:  The initial removal of plaque and calculus if  the levels are too great  to perform a comprehensive oral evaluation.  After your gums heal you will have to return for further evaluation.
• Scaling and Root Planing:  The plaque and calculus (tartar) are removed (scaling) and the root surfaces are smoothed to help keep the area free from bacteria so that the gums can heal (root planing).  This will  most likely reduce the pocket depths.  You may only need 1-3 teeth done or the whole mouth.
• Antibiotics:   Antibiotics decrease bacteria and help control any infection.  These antibiotics may be prescribed in pill form or be placed directly into the infected pocket.
• Periodontal Maintenance:  The goal of this procedure is to keep periodontal disease under control.  The specific bacteria that cause periodontitis gather and start multiplying in the peirodontal pocket every 3 months, therefore it is vital that the patient returns in regular 3-4 month intervals. At each interval the hygienist will scale out the infected pockets and possiblely  irrigate those areas with an anti-bacterial rinse. 
• If the dentist feels at any time  that it will be to your benefit to see a periodontist, who is a dentist  that specializes in  periodontal disease, he will recommend one to you.