General Dentistry & Oral Hygiene Services Provided

Oral hygiene is a routine that consists of brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing at least once. You may also want to rinse your mouth after meals to get rid of leftover food particles which can lead to plaque buildup. Keeping up with a regular oral hygiene regimen will help keep your mouth healthy and keep you smiling.

If oral hygiene is ignored, it may lead to an infection in your gums known as periodontal disease which is why prevention is always the best approach. 

Periodontal disease is common among adults and  has been linked to lasting health problems such as:

Atherosclerosis – A disease characterized by fatty plaque buildup in the arteries that can lead to heart attacks and strokes. If left unchecked, periodontal disease in your gums can travel into your bloodstream causing buildup.

Alzheimer’s disease – Alzheimer’s disease has been linked to chronic inflammation. Any time there is an infection in your body, such as periodontal disease, white blood cells gravitate towards the area as a protection mechanism. If the infection persists, the white blood cells remain in the bloodstream, causing inflammation.

Respiratory disease – Respiratory disease is caused by inhaling bacteria from the mouth into the lower lobes of the lungs. Since the source of periodontal disease is in your gums, you’re more susceptible to respiratory diseases because you’re constantly inhaling harmful bacteria.

Diabetes – Diabetes and periodontal disease have a two-way relationship. People with periodontal disease are at risk for diabetes and people with diabetes are three times more likely to develop periodontal disease. Having gum disease may negatively affect blood sugar control, leading to diabetes. Periodontal care can help prevent diseases such as diabetes and patients with diabetes should include periodontal care as a part of their management of the disease. 

Flossing is essential because it cleans beneath the gum line and hard to reach areas between teeth that toothbrushes simply can’t reach. It helps to prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss.

You should visit Dr. Stonisch at least twice per year for routine cleanings and checkups. Some patients may need to come in for additional cleanings and visits to address other oral concerns. It’s best to speak with Dr. Stonisch to have a better understanding of your oral health and find out how often you should come in for a visit.

If caught in the early stages, gum disease can be reversed with regular dentist visits and oral hygiene care. Once the disease has progressed, deep cleanings will be recommended to prevent further deterioration caused by the infection.  

If the disease continues without intervention, it can damage the supporting structures of the teeth leading to tooth decay and tooth loss. At this point, periodontal disease is irreversible which is why you’ll want to see Dr. Stonisch regularly.