Q.
Hi i have recently eradicated periodontitis I managed it quickly before any significant gum was lost (very proud of myself for noticing the signs early, woop!) but i have been advised it can come back despite brushing religiously! and flossing, this hardly seems like a fair playing field I would firstly like to know if this is true? my dentist mentioned it but i thought he was just trying to scare me into keeping on top of it (which i will and would have done regardless) but then the other day a freind said the same thing and im unsure?? Ive been using flossets as well as brushing and mouth washing twice a day (often using mouthwash (diluted with water as to not erode my teeth) more than once a day- so after any sugary snack breaks etc) I was thinking, would this be enough or is there more i can get from my routine in order to stop it coming back again?
Hi i have recently eradicated periodontitis I managed it quickly before any significant gum was lost (very proud of myself for noticing the signs early, woop!) but i have been advised it can come back despite brushing religiously! and flossing, this hardly seems like a fair playing field I would firstly like to know if this is true? my dentist mentioned it but i thought he was just trying to scare me into keeping on top of it (which i will and would have done regardless) but then the other day a freind said the same thing and im unsure?? Ive been using flossets as well as brushing and mouth washing twice a day (often using mouthwash (diluted with water as to not erode my teeth) more than once a day- so after any sugary snack breaks etc) I was thinking, would this be enough or is there more i can get from my routine in order to stop it coming back again?
A.
They are all right I am afraid. Gum disease is about how your body reacts to plaque, the white stuff that builds up on your teeth. You cannot change this, it is largely genetic. That said, you are doing all the right things. Oral hygiene is the key to reducing the risks of re-occurance but I would encourage you to also see a dentist or hygienist every 3 months for professional cleaning and monitoring. There is strong evidence that patients having regular periodontal maintenance do better that those that don’t.
They are all right I am afraid. Gum disease is about how your body reacts to plaque, the white stuff that builds up on your teeth. You cannot change this, it is largely genetic. That said, you are doing all the right things. Oral hygiene is the key to reducing the risks of re-occurance but I would encourage you to also see a dentist or hygienist every 3 months for professional cleaning and monitoring. There is strong evidence that patients having regular periodontal maintenance do better that those that don’t.
Dr Ian Dunn
PurelyPerio Clinic 334, PO Box 334, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 0AG Web: www.purelyperio.co.uk Tel: 01625 419700
