Cleaning and Prevention

Your teeth and gums are given the 5-star treatment in our commitment to preventive dental care and the following techniques are employed:

• Periodontal therapy to promote healthy gums and maintain the bone surrounding the teeth.
• Scaling and root planing is a deeper cleaning to remove bacteria, plaque, tarter buildup on teeth and its pockets.
• Arestin is an antibiotic therapy that’s placed into deep pockets and used as an adjunct to deep cleanings.

Gum disease – and why you don’t want it!

Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) is the primary reason for tooth loss in adults! It can be avoided through preventive dental care by taking care of your teeth on a daily basis. The early stages of periodontal disease are not apparent to the patient. Just as high blood pressure is the “silent killer” that can sneak up on you, gum disease can strike when you least expect it. It’s a quiet, bacterial infection that attacks the gums and bone surrounding the teeth.

Some facts you should know about gum disease:

• Studies have shown that gum disease doubles the risk of heart disease and is linked to endocarditis, arterial constriction, diabetes, and a weakened immune system.
• For pregnant women, gum disease means higher risk for premature and low-birth weight babies.
• Genetics, diet, stress, smoking, some medications, and certain medical conditions can also affect gum disease.
• The initial symptoms may include bleeding, sore or swollen gums, and/or persistent bad breath.
• The earlier you’re able to detect the disease, the sooner you can control it.
• Preventive dental care is your safest bet in warding off any of the above conditions.

Several warning signs of gum disease can signal a problem:

• Gums that bleed easily
• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Gums that have pulled away from your teeth
• Persistent bad breath
• Pus between the teeth and gums
• Loose or separating teeth
• A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

We’ll teach you the DIY of preventive dental care

Our goal is to minimize the occurrence of your treatment needs, we feel it’s important to educate our patients about the most effective types of preventive dental care.

Self-care is preventive care!

We know that most people would like to avoid a dental visit at any cost! That’s why we encourage our patients to fully understand the benefits of preventive dental care so they can take charge of their own dental health. With proper brushing and flossing on a daily basis (we’ll teach you the “dos and don’ts”), you can prevent unnecessary problems from developing in the future and keep your visits to a minimum.

If you are looking for a dentist that is knowledgeable in preventive dental care, and believes in educating you in best practices for strong teeth and gums, then please contact Hillside Dental at Bethany; your dentist for a lifetime.