Starving Off Gum Disease With Regular Periodontal Maintenance
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately half of adults over the age of 30 suffer from some form of gum disease. What is perhaps more alarming, however, is that most of these adults are unaware of the fact that they are suffering from the condition in the first place. As such, in addition to regular checkups with your dentist being a must, developing a periodontal maintenance plan to prevent gum disease is highly recommended, particularly if you are an older adult. When it comes to coming up with an effective plan of action for your gums, the office of Dr. Andres Sanchez DDS, MS, Diplomate ABP, is here to help.
An Ounce of Prevention for Your Gums
The old adage, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” rings true for many situations in life, and taking care of your gums in no exception. Gum disease, which is an infection of the tissues that surround your teeth, is caused by bacteria or plaque buildup. Left untreated, the condition can lead to gum recession, tooth loss, and even more severe medical conditions such as high blood pressure and heart disease. Therefore, the following general periodontal preventive measures are recommended:
- Regular cleanings and checkups at least every four months
- Scaling and root planing to remove tartar and plaque above and below the gum line
- Ultrasonic treatments to smooth teeth and encourage tissue reattachment
- At-home care such as prescription medicated mouthwash and specialized toothpaste
The Time Is Now to Get Started
When it comes to preventing gum disease with periodontal maintenance, it is never too soon to get started on a treatment plan. The first step is the give the office of Dr. Sanchez a call at 952-567-7457 to set up an initial consultation. At this visit, Dr. Sanchez will thoroughly evaluate your oral health and come up with a preventive course of action. As a Periodontist who specializing in progressive treatment of gum disease including cosmetic procedures to aesthetically enhance your smile and dental implants that can replace missing teeth, you can trust him and his staff when it comes to excellent care.