Why Is Periodontal Maintenance Recommended Every Three Months?

Periodontal or gum disease is a gum infection that, when left untreated, destroys the gums and jawbone. People suffering from the disease require unique periodontal treatments in Houston. Afterwards, they should have regular periodontal maintenance. Continue reading to learn why the appointments are scheduled every three months.

What Are the Symptoms and Causes of Periodontal Disease?

Your mouth contains bacteria helpful in digestion. However, if you do not practice proper oral hygiene, the bacteria combine with food debris in your mouth. Over time they form a thin film that settles on the teeth and gum line called plaque.

Plaque is cleared by brushing correctly at least twice a day and flossing daily. When you do not do this, it builds up and hardens into calculus or tartar. Tartar is harder to remove and requires professional dental cleaning.

Over time, it causes inflammation around the teeth leading to gum inflammation. Gingivitis is the initial stage of the disease and causes gums to bleed and swell. When left untreated, it progresses into periodontitis which is more serious. Periodontitis destroys the gum tissues, teeth, and jawbone. It affects your dental function and your smile’s aesthetics.

Symptoms of periodontal disease include:

• Persistent bad taste or bad breath
• Tender, bleeding, or swollen gums
• Purple or dark red gums
• Gaps between gums and teeth
• Pain while chewing
• Mobile or loose teeth
• Tooth sensitivity
• Receded gums
• Change in your bite
• Change in the fit of partial dentures

Why Get Periodontal Maintenance Every Three Months?

Advanced periodontal disease has no cure; it can only be managed and controlled. Therefore, your dentist in Houston will schedule constant maintenance visits for you. During the sessions, they will perform specific treatments to prevent the growth of bacteria.

Periodontal maintenance is scheduled every three months. The period between treatments may seem short, but there is a reason for the duration. Gum disease is caused by bacteria that combine with food debris to form plaque.

It takes approximately three months for plaque to accumulate after treatment. They settle back in the gums and start reproducing. As a result, further infection occurs, causing damage to the gum tissues. Consequently, you will have symptoms of gum disease, which impact your quality of life. New periodontal pockets may form, increasing the risk of tooth and jawbone loss.

When you attend periodontal maintenance, the dentist will disrupt the growth of these bacteria. They will clear off all bacteria and plaque preventing advanced inflammation. Therefore, your mouth is restored to a healthier state. Waiting longer than three months may cause lasting damage to your teeth, gums, and jawbone.

What Are the Treatment Options Available for Periodontal Disease?

There are various options for periodontal treatments in Houston. they help restore damaged gums and teeth to a healthier state. The dental team will diagnose your gum disease to determine a suitable option. They will recommend either of the treatments below.

These are simple, non-invasive procedures recommended when gum disease is not severe. They include scaling, root planing, and antibiotics use. Scaling involves removing bacteria and tartar from the teeth surfaces, gum lines, and below the gums. The dentist uses special tools.

Root planing is a procedure to smooth the teeth’s root surfaces. It is done to prevent bacteria and tartar from building up again and damaging the tooth roots. Root planing also allows gums to reattach to teeth eliminating periodontal pockets. After both procedures, the dentist will prescribe antibiotics. These help reduce bacteria and control bacterial infections.

1. 1. Surgical treatments

These treatments are performed to treat more severe forms of periodontal. For instance, advanced periodontitis requires these extensive treatments. Surgical treatments help restore the gums and teeth to a healthier state. Your dentist may recommend flap surgery, bone grafting, guided tissue regeneration, or gum grafting.

1. 1. Lifestyle and home remedies

Alongside your treatment, the dentist will recommend changes to your lifestyle and home remedies. They are geared towards preventing re-infections or managing the disease. Some of the measures recommended by the dentist in Houston are listed below.

1. • Brush your teeth after taking a meal or snack
   • Floss each day to remove plaque and bacteria from between teeth and the gum line
   • Use an electric or soft-bristled toothbrush and replace it every three months
   • Do not smoke, chew tobacco or use other tobacco products
   • Attend regular dental checkups or periodontal maintenance every three months

Contact us at Cabrera Dental Associates for periodontal disease treatments or maintenance.