Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, approximately 70% of people over the age of 65. Good oral hygiene is the single most effective way to prevent periodontal disease.
● Your gums may be sensitive, but it is extremely important to brush your teeth well to prevent plaque from accumulating on your newly cleaned teeth.
● Rinse with PERIDEX mouth rinse (provided by Dr. Grafman) every night throughout treatment for 1 minute to treat the gum infection and eliminate bacteria. Rinse after brushing and before going to bed. DO NOT eat or drink anything after you rinse.
● Brush twice daily using a soft bristled toothbrush for a minimum of two minutes each time. You can brush slowly if your gums are tender, but spend extra time to get them clean.
● You do not have to floss day of and day after treatment if your teeth are sensitive. You may start to floss daily on the second day after treatment.
● If your gums are extremely tender, you may take an over-the-counter pain reliever.
● Avoid eating any spicy or crunchy foods after your treatment, and drink 8 glasses of water to help you remove any debris that may be remaining.
● The success of your treatment depends directly on your oral hygiene at home, and on getting regular dental cleaning.
● Gum disease creates pockets between the teeth and gums. Gum disease can cause your gums to bleed or become infected, swollen, or tender. As a result, the infected gum starts to separate from the tooth. The gap between the gum and the tooth is known as a pocket that can become deeper over time which may raise your risk of permanent damage.