During a dental cleaning, the dentist or hygienist will assess the patient’s teeth to identify areas of damage, decay, and tartar or plaque build up. Using a dental paste and a set of special tools the dentist will clean those areas in addition to the tiny spaces between teeth which can be difficult to clean at home. The dentist will also clean along the gum line where plaque and tartar can form and where bacteria tend to gather. The dentist will also check to see if the plaque and tartar have built up enough to address the patient’s daily habits. If there is a great deal of build up, their daily brushing and flossing routines may need to change. Once the cleaning has finished, the dentist will discuss areas of concern with the patient and provide guidance for moving forward.

A person should go in for a routine, dental cleaning once every six months. This is the best way to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Between cleanings it is also important to remember to continue good brushing and flossing habits. Avoiding sugary snacks, which bacteria love, is also very helpful in preventing gum disease and decay which if left unchecked can cause tooth loss. Rinsing after consuming those types of food can also help.

If the gum disease is mild or in its early stages, known as gingivitis, a tooth cleaning can help prevent the condition from getting worse. The dentist may recommend that the patient come back into the office before six months to ensure that the cleaning did in fact stop the gum disease. However, if the gum disease is more advanced or severe a deeper cleaning will be required. These procedures are known as root planing and scaling. These treatments can reach below the gum line to remove bacteria and tartar which has collected near the tooth’s roots. Antibiotics can also be prescribed to help kill any remaining bacteria.

Sensitivity toothpaste can be very effective in treating sensitive teeth. After a few weeks of use you may notice a decrease in sensitivity. Highly acidic foods such as oranges, grapefruits and lemons, as well as tea and soda can increase tooth sensitivity, and work against any sensitivity toothpaste. If you do not get relief by brushing gently and using a desensitizing toothpaste, see your dentist. There are special compounds that can be applied in office to the roots of your teeth to reduce the sensitivity. High-fluoride containing home care products can also be recommended to help reduce tooth sensitivity.

Periodontal disease is inflammation and infection of the gums and supporting bone structure, which if left untreated, can cause permanent jaw bone destruction and possible tooth loss. Untreated periodontal disease has been linked to increased risk for conditions such as heart disease, stroke, low birth weight babies and pre-term delivery, respiratory disease, and prostate cancer. An advanced stage of periodontal disease exhibits inflamed gums pulling away from your bone and teeth. Other signs of periodontal disease include:

• Bad breath
• Red or swollen gums
• Loose teeth or teeth that have moved
• Sensitive teeth
• Pus coming from around the teeth
• Pain on chewing
• Tender gums
• Bleeding gums

Treatment of early periodontal disease can be performed in-office. However, advanced stages may require surgery. Periodontal disease can be prevented and treated successfully by seeing your dentist and dental hygienist regularly and following recommended care plans.