121 Jericho Turnpike Mineola, NY 11501
Periodontal Maintenance Helps Treat Gum Disease
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums that gradually destroys the support surrounding your natural teeth. There are several forms of periodontal disease, each requiring a different treatment approach, but dental plaque remains the primary cause of gum disease in genetically susceptible individuals. Daily brushing and flossing prevent most periodontal conditions, yet even with diligent home care, some patients still develop gum disease that requires ongoing professional management.
Periodontal maintenance is the long-term care plan that follows active gum disease treatment. Rather than a one-time fix, it is an ongoing schedule of professional cleanings designed to keep gum disease from progressing and to protect the health of your teeth and gums over time. We provide periodontal maintenance for patients from Mineola, NY, Garden City, New Hyde Park, East Williston and Roslyn Heights.
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Why Oral Hygiene Is So Important
Adults over the age of 35 lose more teeth to periodontal disease than to cavities, and three out of four adults are affected by some form of gum disease at some point in their life. The best way to prevent both cavities and periodontal disease is through thorough tooth brushing and flossing performed daily.
Periodontal disease and tooth decay are both caused by bacterial plaque, a colorless film that constantly forms along the gumline. When plaque is not carefully removed through daily brushing and flossing, it hardens into a rough, porous substance called calculus, or tartar, which cannot be removed by brushing alone and requires professional treatment.
Several other factors can accelerate periodontal disease, including:
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Stress
- Clenching and grinding teeth
- Certain medications
- Poor nutrition
How Periodontal Disease Develops
Bacteria found in plaque produce toxins that irritate the gums, often causing them to turn red, swell and bleed easily. If this irritation continues without treatment, the gums begin to separate from the teeth, forming pockets, or spaces, where bacteria can collect further out of reach of normal brushing and flossing.
As periodontal disease progresses, the gum tissue and bone supporting the teeth begin to deteriorate. Left untreated, this ultimately leads to loose teeth and, eventually, tooth loss. Periodontal maintenance is designed to interrupt this progression at whatever stage it is caught, preventing further damage.
Your Periodontal Maintenance Visit, Step by Step
Periodontal maintenance appointments follow a consistent, thorough process designed to keep gum disease under control:
1
Periodontal Charting
Our hygienist measures the depth of the pockets around each tooth to monitor any changes in your gum health since your last visit.
2
Below—the—Gumline Cleaning
Plaque and tartar are carefully removed from below the gumline, targeting the areas most prone to bacteria buildup and inflammation.
3
X—Rays, If Needed
The root surfaces of affected teeth are smoothed as needed to help gum tissue reattach and reduce the risk of further bacteria buildup.
4
Localized Treatment, If Needed
For areas showing signs of active infection, a localized treatment such as antibiotic therapy may be applied directly to the affected pocket.
5
Polishing
Teeth are polished to remove surface stains and leave a smooth finish that is more resistant to new plaque buildup.
6
Review and Scheduling
Our team reviews your current gum health with you and schedules your next periodontal maintenance visit, typically every three to four months.
Why Periodontal Maintenance Matters
Committing to a periodontal maintenance schedule offers real, long-term protection for your smile:
- Controls active gum disease by consistently removing bacteria and buildup below the gumline
- Prevents further bone and tissue loss, helping preserve the structures that hold your teeth in place
- Reduces the risk of tooth loss, since untreated gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults
- Catches problems early, since regular monitoring allows our team to identify any progression before it becomes severe
- Supports overall health, as periodontal disease has been linked to broader health conditions when left unmanaged
Maintaining Healthy Gums Between Visits
Periodontal maintenance works best when paired with consistent care at home. Preventing gum disease starts with effective daily brushing and flossing, along with regular professional examinations and cleanings. Even with diligent home dental care, some patients continue to experience some form of periodontal disease, which is exactly why ongoing professional maintenance, rather than a one-time treatment, is often necessary to prevent the condition from progressing further.
Keep Gum Disease Under Control
Periodontal maintenance is one of the most effective ways to protect your teeth and gums for the long term. Schedule your next periodontal maintenance visit with our team at PM Dental Care in Mineola, NY.
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