Periodontal Maintenance

Periodontal disease can re-activate, as periodontal bacterial colonies begin to rebuild every 50–75 days.  If you are diagnosed with periodontal disease, you need ongoing periodontal maintenance cleanings at least 4 times a year to prevent further bone loss and subsequent tooth loss.  

Daily oral hygiene measures to prevent periodontal disease from worsening include:

• Brushing.  Brushing properly on a regular basis (at least twice daily), with the patient attempting to direct the toothbrush bristles underneath the gum-line, to help disrupt the bacterial growth and formation of subgingival plaque.
• Flossing.  Flossing daily and using interdental brushes (if there is a sufficiently large space between teeth), as well as cleaning behind the last tooth, the third molar, in each quarter.
• Antiseptic Mouthwash.  Chlorhexidine gluconate based mouthwash in combination with careful oral hygiene may cure gingivitis, although they cannot reverse any attachment loss due to periodontal disease.
• Soft Toothbrush.  Using a soft toothbrush to prevent damage to tooth enamel and sensitive gums.
• Medication.  Using periodontal trays to maintain dentist-prescribed medications at the source of the disease.  The use of trays allows the medication to stay in place long enough to penetrate the biofilms where the bacteria are found.
• Check-Ups.  Regular dental check-ups and professional teeth cleaning at least 2-4 times per year.  Dental check-ups serve to monitor the person's oral hygiene methods and levels of attachment around teeth, identify any early signs of periodontal disease, and monitor response to treatment.