Gum Disease Maintenance in Winchester VA

Periodontal disease can be treated and controlled, but it will inevitably return if you do not follow a proper gum disease maintenance plan. Once Dr. Dickson has completed the active phase of periodontal treatment, he will provide you with a personalized maintenance program to keep your gums healthy and prevent the return of active gum disease.

What is periodontal maintenance?

Gum disease maintenance therapy is an ongoing treatment program designed to prevent periodontal disease from returning or spreading, damaging the bones and gums supporting your teeth. By adhering to strict oral hygiene guidelines at home and regularly scheduled maintenance therapy visits with Dr. Dickson and your dentist, you significantly increase your chances of keeping your teeth for your lifetime.

Why is gum disease maintenance so important?

Once you have developed gum disease, you will likely get it again unless you are vigilant about proper maintenance. The leading cause of gum disease is bacterial plaque, the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. The bacteria and toxins in plaque attack your teeth and gums. Plaque eventually hardens into tartar unless removed. Brushing and flossing are not enough to remove all plaque and tartar. Inevitably, periodontal disease will recur if you do not undergo regular professional cleanings.

How often should I have periodontal maintenance?

Dr. Dickson will determine how often you should undergo periodontal maintenance based on your oral health, how quickly plaque develops, and the severity of tartar buildup on your teeth. Most patients are scheduled for gum disease maintenance treatments every three to four months. However, the frequency could be adjusted to every few weeks or as infrequently as every six months, depending on your specific needs.

Can gum disease be reversed?

Gum disease is not curable, but it can be controlled. In its earliest stage (gingivitis), professional cleaning and diligent at-home care may reverse the effects. Once gingivitis has advanced to periodontal disease, and the teeth or jawbone are damaged, the effects cannot be reversed, but the progression can be halted. However, with proper periodontal treatment and ongoing maintenance, Dr. Dickson can prevent the return of periodontal disease.

Are scaling and root planing part of gum disease maintenance?

Scaling and root planing can be part of the initial treatment for moderate to severe periodontal disease. In some cases, Dr. Dickson may recommend scaling and root planing as part of gum disease maintenance therapy if plaque or tartar builds up between maintenance visits.

Are there home remedies for gum disease?

Although some home remedies such as saltwater rinses or mouthwashes containing highly diluted lemongrass or tea tree oil can reduce gum inflammation and harmful bacteria, they are not cures. They can also irritate delicate gum tissue and damage tooth enamel if misused. It is best to see your dentist or Dr. Dickson for proper treatment to get your gum disease under control. After that, you can discuss whether specific home remedies can be added to your oral hygiene routine to help keep future problems at bay.

What happens without gum disease maintenance?

If you have had periodontal disease in the past, it is likely to return in the future. Regular dental cleanings are insufficient to control gingivitis and more severe gum disease because they do not get below the gum line. Periodontal maintenance therapy cleans below the gum line to remove bacteria and reduce gum inflammation. Without these periodic treatments, swollen gums, damage to the jawbone and teeth, and eventual tooth loss are the inevitable results.

What are the signs that gum disease has returned?

The signs of gum disease include:

• Bleeding gums while eating or brushing your teeth.
• Chronic bad breath
• Receding gums or loose teeth.
• Tender, inflamed gums.
• Concurrent health issues such as diabetes or heart disease that are linked to periodontal infections.

Can gum disease cause other health problems?

Yes. The bacteria causing periodontal disease can enter the bloodstream through your gums, traveling throughout your body. Periodontal disease has been linked to rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, respiratory disease, preterm births, low birth weight, and difficulty controlling blood sugar in patients with diabetes.

How do my dentist and Dr. Dickson work together on my gum disease maintenance therapy?

Your dentist and Dr. Dickson are a team working together to provide you with the best possible care. They combine their expertise to create a customized maintenance plan that protects your teeth and gums from future periodontal disease, keeping each other “in the loop” along the way. Periodontal maintenance therapy is in addition to routine dental cleanings and checkups, but it is not a replacement for them.

If you have had gum disease in the past or show signs of gum disease now, scheduling an appointment for treatment and maintenance is a must to preserve the health of your teeth and gums. Please call Gateway Professional Center Office Phone Number 540-662-6400 to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Dickson.