BIOLOGICAL GUM DISINFECTION

The gums and underlying bone are the foundation for your teeth and smile, which is why Dr. Mathew consistently monitors the health of both.

Without healthy gums, having good overall health is impossible. Researchers have linked periodontal gum disease to serious medical conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and even Alzheimer’s disease. A healthy mouth is integral to overall wellness and wellbeing.

In addition to the systemic implications of gum disease, gum recession, and bone loss can lead to tooth loss, which may have a dramatic impact on your smile and dietary choices.

We Partner with Our Patients in Oral Health

Keeping your mouth healthy requires dedication. The food and drinks we consume contribute to developing sticky biofilm, called plaque. Plaque will eventually blend with the minerals found in saliva and harden into tartar. Once tartar forms, it is as hard as cement and will not come off your teeth no matter how often you brush or floss. This is why regular dental cleanings and exams are essential. Our hygienist will use precision instruments to gently remove tartar.

When left at the gumline and between the teeth, tartar will begin to irritate delicate gum tissue, causing inflammation and infection, otherwise known as gingivitis, or periodontal disease. It is this inflammation and bacteria that researchers believe causes the most negative impact on the body.

How We Treat Gum Disease

Our team understands that words like “deep cleaning” can strike fear into the hearts of our patients. We want to assure you that we value providing a pain-free experience for every procedure. If we need to use a numbing agent, or if you are interested in dreaming your appointment away with sedation, we have you covered. In most cases, however, our patients find our gentle approach to caring for patients is enough.

At your hygiene exam, we will evaluate your gum health with small measurements of the pockets between the teeth and gums. Healthy gums cling tightly to the teeth. Deep pockets between the teeth and gums, or bleeding gums, indicate an infection. We also take a sample of your saliva and send it to salivary diagnostics lab to determine if there are any high risk bacteria and discuss solutions for removing them and keeping them away.

Often, removing tartar and cleaning the area will be enough to jump-start healing and make it possible for gums to recover. In advanced cases, or when high-risk bacteria are present, dental ozone therapy and laser therapy for gums can assist with healing. Of course, you will need to maintain good oral hygiene between dental visits.

Dr. Mathew may recommend more frequent dental visits, natural supplements to repopulate the good bacteria and fight off the bad bacteria, depending on your specific needs. We can discuss how to best protect your smile at your next dental appointment.