Today we can prevent dental disease better than ever! With proper diagnosis and treatment and regular follow-up care, you can eliminate gum disease and cavities. At your initial visit and at each check-up, we will provide you with recommendations for preventive treatment that will save teeth. In children, decay is the primary problem but, in adults, gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. In older age, decay can again return. In all situations, complete removal of plaque is essential. We accomplish prevention in our office in the following ways.

MAGNIFICATION DURING EXAMINATION AND TREATMENT

We view your teeth and gums through surgical telescopes. This enlarges the object by nearly four times. If we need higher magnification, we can use our intraoral camera that can magnify hundreds of times for detailed inspection. This gives us a thorough look at your mouth. It allows us to see cracks, stress fractures, and other signs of problems that would not be obvious to the naked eye. Knowing what will happen if these conditions worsen and being able to show you the condition on our computer screen make it easier for you to understand how to prevent the problem before it happens.

PLAQUE CONTROL

Plaque is a white smudge that coats our teeth daily. It consists of germs that convert sugars into acid. The acid eats at the teeth, gums, and supporting bone. However, if you remove the plaque daily, the acid won't form and decay and gum disease don't occur. We will teach you a variety of methods to remove plaque. These include: soft brush (sulcular method), electric brush, floss, floss threader, stimudents, proxabrush, floss holder, and plaque disclosing tablets. Many advertisements lead you to think that there is an easy way to get rid of plaque: sonic toothbrushes, water irrigation devices, and 'anti-plaque' mouth rinses. THE FACT IS: MECHANICAL REMOVAL OF PLAQUE IS THE ONLY EFFECTIVE WAY TO GET RID OF THE GERMS. The other devices and rinses appeal to people because they are easy to use. Unfortunately they don't do a very good job. Your approach should consist of the following:

• An electric or regular brush. Know how to use the sulcular method.
• Floss daily and thoroughly.
• Use plaque disclosing rinse or tablets to check your efforts.
• Avoid sugar-containing foods. Get sugar-rich soft-drinks out of your diet.
• Vegetables, fruits, fiber, and whole-grains are better choices.
• Post a note on your bathroom mirror: you don't have to floss all your teeth, only the ones you want to keep.
• Use a home fluoride if the dentist says you need it.
• Commit to saving your teeth. This is the only way.

ELECTRIC BRUSH

We have recommended the Rota-Dent brush for the last several years. All patients do not need it. If your mouth has had a lot of destruction and has many teeth restored, it will help you significantly (as research studies have shown). You cannot buy one at a store because the manufacturer chooses to distribute only through dental offices. Other electric brushes are effective, but, after years of using many different kinds, we've found this one works the best. For more information on the Rota-Dent, go to their website.

SOFT TISSUE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

If you have gum disease, we offer this program in three levels. In all programs, the Rota-Dent brush is used and flossing techniques are taught. For stage I cases (gingivitis), we clean the entire mouth with a general scaling. We monitor your plaque control efforts until you understand how to thoroughly remove the plaque. For stage II (slight periodontitis), we perform scaling procedures with numbness to remove hard deposits (called tartar) from the roots. Often, no gum surgery is needed in this condition. In stage III (moderate periodontitis), we again perform the scaling procedures but, due to more advanced conditions, they require more time. Almost always, this stage will require referral to a periodontist for gum surgery. Without gum surgery in these cases, your teeth will be lost ... sooner or later. We do not treat stages IV or V in our office.

Gum disease is a silent killer. It does not hurt, unless an abscess develops. We depth-chart the gums at each visit to watch for this problem. If detected early, it can be treated effectively with excellent long term results. However, the patient must commit to a rigorous plaque control program. Without proper home care on a daily basis, the teeth will be lost.

After treatment, you will be scheduled on a maintenance program. This could be every two months, every three months, or longer. It depends on your individual plaque and tartar accumulation. Everyone is different. Patients who do not adhere to the frequency of these visits are at risk for the gum disease recurring. In that case, they must have scalings treatment done again.

PREVENTIVE CHECK-UPS

Why are these so important? If we can detect a problem early, it will save you time, money, and it will mean less dental treatment, when compared to allowing the problem to worsen. What do we do at check-ups?

• Oral cancer exam. We have found several cases. Early detection = simple cure.
• Periodontal screening. We look for any signs of gum disease.
• Tooth decay exam. We examine your teeth for decay, bite problems, and stress fractures.
• Cleaning, minor scaling, and polishing. Your teeth will sparkle and your breath will feel fresher.
• X-rays, if needed. We can see bone loss, cysts, abscesses, decay, and other pathology. Our computerized X-ray method means 90% less radiation for you.
• Home care instructions. Our hygienist will give you personalized help.
• Latest dental technology. We'll give you the most current dental information and how it affects your mouth.
• Free preventive kit. We'll give you a brush and package of dental floss.
• Free intra-oral camera screening. If needed, we'll display your teeth on the computer screen so that you can see the problem up close.

GUM DISEASE WARNING SIGNS

There are some things you can watch for that may indicate you have gum disease.

• Persistent bad breath.
• Red or blue puffy gums.
• Teeth that have spread apart, or that seem longer.
• Bleeding gums upon brushing or flossing.
• Gum swelling, tenderness, or pain.
• Pus coming from between your gums and teeth.
• Gum recession, exposing roots.
• Loose teeth.
• Changes in your bite.

If you notice any one of these signs, consult your dentist and ask for a periodontal probing exam.