Cleaning & Periodontal Health

At our practice, we believe in “Care Management” rather than “Pain Management”. That is why we emphasize taking care of your teeth through regular re-care visits and proper home-care. After all, you want to have your teeth for a lifetime. Proper care of your teeth will also help prevent costly treatment and procedures in the long run.

What is Soft Tissue Management?

It is an individualized plan to eliminate infection of the gums and root surfaces. Remember periodontal disease is an infectious and inflammatory disease that results from bacteria collecting on the tooth surface above and below the gum line which destroys gum tissues and bone. The greatest cause of adult tooth loss is gum disease.

Scaling and Root-Planing

The procedure used is called Root-Planing. This treatment is of the diseased root surfaces BELOW the gum-line.

It focuses on eliminating:

• Tartar and plaque below the gum

• Detoxifying the root surfaces where the disease occurs

• Obtaining smooth roots

• Flushing out the pockets allow for healthy reattachment of the gums to the root surfaces.

The problem is due to multiple reasons, and hence the treatment needs to be multi-faceted, addressing each of these reasons.

The goals of this treatment are:

• Gums that do not bleed. HEALTHY GUMS DO NOT BLEED! Gums that are not red, swollen or tender
• Fresher breath and taste
• Reattachment of gum tissue to tooth surface
• Smooth tooth surface
• Flush out bacteria in pockets
• Knowing how to effectively maintain good oral hygiene
• Reduce pocket depths
• Control periodontal disease

What we need from you, our patient to make this treatment a success: :

• Completion of the therapy as prescribed
• Thoroughly cleaning all tooth surfaces two times a day (See cleaning section below)
• Flossing daily
• Maintenance of regular re-care visits (See our FAQ on frequency of re-care).
• We will offer thorough instructions on home care to insure the removal of bacteria on a daily basis. This includes proper use of the toothbrush, paste, mouth rinses, medications, floss threaders, and proxy brushes. Home care can effectively eliminate the plaque above the gums and down to 2 mm below the gums.

How do I brush my teeth?

• Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gums.
• Move the brush back and forth gently in short (tooth-wide) strokes.
• Brush the outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
• Use the "toe" of the brush to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, using a gentle up-and-down stroke.
• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

How do i floss my teeth?

• Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers. Wind the remaining floss around the same finger of the opposite hand. This finger will take up the floss as it becomes dirty. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers. Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. Never snap the floss into the gums.
• When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.
• Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up and down motions.
• Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth.
• Don't forget the back side of your last tooth.

Watch the brushing and flossing animation to learn more. People who have difficulty handling dental floss may prefer to use another kind of interdental cleaner. Ask Dr. Somani to recommend one for you.

Please check out this link for more details on periodontal health and problems associated with it.