Author: Kara Urland

As your stare into the mirror examining the sore on your lip, you realize you have your next cleaning with your dentist coming up. You’ve gotten these sores in the past and know that it’s a cold sore. You also know that the virus that causes cold sores is incredibly contagious, so what do you do? Your smile is important to you and you wouldn’t want to put that at risk. Is a visit worth the potential to spread the virus? The short answer is no, at least not most of the time. 

What is a cold sore?

As you may already know, cold sores are a group of tiny, painful blisters that are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). The symptoms you experience are usually the most severe the first time you get a cold sore. Once a cold sore has broken out, your body will usually make antibodies and you might not get another infection. Despite this, it is possible for them to return. They’ll usually appear on the outside of the mouth and lips, but it’s possible for them to show up on the nose and cheeks. Certain things can trigger an outbreak to occur, such as:

• Certain foods
• Stress
• Fever
• Colds
• Allergies
• Fatigue
• Sunburn or being in strong sunlight
• Dental work or cosmetic surgery
• Menstruation

For most people having a cold sore outbreak is just an inconvenience and something to be mindful of to prevent the spread. The spread of HSV can occur from kissing someone who has the virus, sharing eating utensils, towels, or razors. Some people with compromised immune systems may need extra care if they develop a cold sore.

Should I keep my appointment?

Given the high transmissibility of HSV, is it wise to go to your dentist? The best thing to do is to call your dentist and ask, but more than likely you’ll be asked to come back at a different time. Even though your dentist will wear gloves while they examine you, it’s still very possible to spread this highly contagious virus. Prior to the healing process that the cold sore goes through, you’re most contagious. Some dentists, however, will begin seeing people with cold sores again after that healing process has started and the sores have begun to scab. Even after that point, some people may experience pain from the dried-out sores. It might be hard to keep your mouth open for extended periods. This is perfectly normal and your dentist would understand if you needed to wait a little longer for the scab to fall off entirely.

Since these sores could easily spread to your dentist or the hygienist, it’s usually best to talk with them to make a plan for rescheduling your appointment once your cold sore has subsided. You want to ensure the safety and health of everyone at your dentist’s office. It’s best to determine where you’re at in the healing process and to give your dentist a call to see what they think.

Gingivitis is one of the most common forms of periodontal (gum) disease. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, nearly 50% of Americans have some form of gum disease. Gingivitis causes irritation, redness, and swelling of your gingiva, which is the part of your gums around the base of your teeth.

Although gingivitis is mild, it’s very possible for it to lead to more concerning forms of gum disease such as periodontitis, a more serious gum disease. If left untreated, it can even lead to a loss of teeth. Gingivitis is most commonly caused by lax oral health habits. The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing at least once a day. These habits, in addition, to visiting your dentist regularly, have the potential to prevent and even reverse gingivitis.

Symptoms

Your gums are at their healthiest when they are firm, pale pink, and fitted tightly around your teeth. Some of the signs you may have gingivitis include gums that are swollen or puffy, dark red gums, gums that easily bleed when brushing or flossing, bad breath, receding gums, and tender gums. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible so they are able to intervene. The sooner changes can be made to prevent gingivitis from progressing, the better.

Causes

As mentioned, your oral habits play a big role in the development of gingivitis. When your teeth aren’t being cleaned properly this creates an environment in your mouth that allows plaque to form on your teeth, causing inflammation of the gum tissues around them. Plaque is an invisible, sticky film that’s made up mostly of bacteria. It forms on your teeth when starches and sugars from the food you eat come into contact with the bacteria that are found naturally in your mouth. If plaque isn’t removed quickly, it can form into tartar which will need to be professionally removed by your dentist. This buildup causes your gums to become inflamed. This then leads to the problems associated with gingivitis like gums that bleed easily and change color. 

Although the single biggest factor when it comes to gingivitis is improper oral health care, there are many other factors that can make it more likely that you’ll develop gingivitis. These include:

• Smoking or chewing tobacco
• Advanced age
• Dry mouth
• Poor nutrition
• Dental restorations that don’t fit properly
• Crooked teeth that are difficult to clean
• Conditions that suppress your immune system such as leukemia, HIV/AIDS, or cancer treatment
• Certain drugs
• Hormonal changes, possibly related to pregnancy, menstrual cycle, or birth control 
• Genetics
• Medical conditions such as certain viral and fungal infections

Preventing Gingivitis

It bears repeating, but the biggest way to prevent gingivitis and many other dental diseases is through great oral health habits. This first means brushing your teeth for at least two minutes twice daily. The best way to do this is once in the morning and then before going to bed. Of course, it’s also so important to floss at least once a day to remove plaque buildup where your toothbrush cannot reach. To make an even bigger impact on your oral health, brush after every meal. It’s important to floss before you brush so that way loose particles can be removed by your brushing. Seeing your dentist regularly can also catch gingivitis early when it’s still possible to reverse the effects. If you need to schedule a visit, contact our office at Noll Family Dentistry and we’ll help get you on a path towards excellent oral health.

Avocados have become a very trendy superfood recently. But actually, they are packed full of important vitamins and minerals that help strengthen and protect your teeth and gums. Avocado is among the best foods for your dental health.

Benefits of Avocado:

Fight Tooth Decay:

The potassium that avocados have helps fight tooth decay. Potassium helps in keeping your bones – and teeth – strong, which in turn reduces your risk of tooth decay. Like vitamin D, potassium improves bone mineral density. Avocados can act as a “nutrient booster” by helping increase the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients such as vitamins A, D, K and E.

Magnesium: 

This one is two benefits for the price of one. Magnesium helps fight inflammation, so if you have inflamed gums, avocados can help. Magnesium can also help with the remineralization of your teeth. An avocado has as much as 15 percent of the recommended daily value of magnesium. Magnesium can help to prevent blood from becoming too acidic, which can leach calcium from your bones and teeth.

Folic Acid:

Folic Acid, or folate (Vitamin B9), helps to prevent gum disease and promote healthy cell and tissue development. Avocados are a good source of Folic Acid, which is especially important for pregnant women. Several studies have shown that folic acid can reduce inflammation in the gums and make them more resilient to dental plaque and anaerobic bacteria, two of the leading causes of gum disease – tooth decay and bad breath.

Natural Phytochemicals:

Phytochemicals (also called phytonutrients) are the nutrients you get from eating dark-colored fruits or vegetables. As a dark-colored fruit, avocados are rich in antioxidants that work to protect your gums and other body tissue from bacterial infection. The way it works is that avocados naturally contain probiotic bacteria, which is the good bacteria known to fight off harmful bacteria. When this good bacteria is introduced to your mouth, it helps maintain the right balance to ward off tooth decay and bad breath.

The rise of avocados is nothing to fear, especially since research has shown that avocados can play an important role in helping to keep your teeth healthy. If you’re concerned about tooth decay or inflamed gums, make an appointment with Noll Family Dentistry, it’s easier to treat these concerns with early detection.

Saliva is an important part of a healthy body. It is mostly made of water but also contains important substances that your body needs to digest food and keep your teeth strong.

Saliva is important because it:

• Keeps mouth moist and comfortable
• Helps chew, taste, and swallow
• Fights germs in your mouth and prevents bad breath
• Has proteins and minerals that protect tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay and gum disease
• Helps keep dentures securely in place

Tiny tubes called salivary ducts carry saliva from the glands into your mouth. Small amounts enter the mouth constantly to keep the mouth moist. The glands really kick into action when you eat, or even just think about or smell food. An average person produces 2-4 pints every day.

Too Little Saliva:

Certain diseases and medicines can affect how much saliva you make. If you do not make enough saliva, your mouth can become quite dry. This condition is called dry mouth (xerostomia).

Dry mouth also makes you more likely to develop rapid tooth decay and gum (periodontal) disease. That’s because your spit helps clear food particles from your teeth. This helps reduce your risk for cavities.

If you’re not producing enough saliva, you may notice these signs and symptoms all or most of the time:

• Dryness or a feeling of stickiness in your mouth
• Bad breath
• Difficulty chewing, speaking, and swallowing
• Dry or sore throat and hoarseness
• Dry or grooved tongue
• A changed sense of taste
• Problems wearing dentures

Causes of Excessive Saliva

While reduced saliva flow can cause problems, excessive saliva is also a cause for concern. Having excessive or hypersalivation can be quite uncomfortable, so you must seek out treatment as soon as possible. Consult with your doctor and dentist so that together you can find a treatment plan that helps manage the excess and makes you feel comfortable and confident.

Hypersalivation in adults is primarily caused by:

• Mononucleosis or sinus infections
• Strep throat or tonsillitis
• Allergies
• Heartburn or GERD
• Pregnancy
• Use of certain medicines
• Reaction to pesticide poisoning or snake or insect venom
• Nervous system disorders that cause difficulty with swallowing

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at Noll Family Dentistry!

Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to treat cancer. These drugs kill cancer cells, but they may also harm normal cells, including cells in the mouth. Side effects can include problems with your teeth and gums.

What Mouth Problems Can Chemo Cause?

Everyone’s side effects are different, the problems depend on the chemotherapy drugs and how your body reacts to
them. Side effects include:

• Painful mouth and gums
• Dry mouth
• Burning, peeling, or swelling tongue
• Infection
• Change in taste
• Mouth sores
• Difficulty swallowing
• Bleeding gums

When Should I See a Dentist?

You should see the dentist before chemotherapy begins. If you have already started chemotherapy and didn’t go to a dentist, see one as soon as possible. It’s important for your dentist and cancer doctor to talk to each other about your cancer treatment. Be sure to give your dentist your cancer doctor’s phone number.

Tips to Help Keep Mouth Healthy!

Once your treatment starts, it’s important to look in your mouth every day for sores or other changes. These tips can help prevent and treat a sore mouth:

• Keep your mouth moist.
  • Drink a lot of water.
  • Suck ice chips.
• Use sugarless gum or sugar-free hard candy.
• Clean your mouth, tongue, and gums.
• Brush your teeth, gums, and tongue with an extra-soft toothbrush after every meal and at bedtime. If brushing hurts, soften the bristles in warm water.
• Use a fluoride toothpaste.
• Don’t use mouthwashes with alcohol in them.
• Floss your teeth gently every day. If your gums bleed and hurt, avoid the areas that are bleeding or sore, but keep flossing your other teeth.
• Rinse your mouth several times a day with a solution of ¼ teaspoon of salt or 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 cup (8 ounces) of warm water. Follow with a plain water rinse.

Managing and treating dental or oral side effects

If you have any dental or oral side effects during treatment, let your health care team know right away. Relieving side effects is an important part of cancer care and treatment. The specific treatment your doctor recommends will depend on your symptoms. There are several common treatments for dental and oral side effects:

• Mouth rinses that contain salt and baking soda may help treat mouth sores.
• Pain medications may also be used to treat pain from mouth sores. Medications may be placed directly on the sores, taken by mouth, or given through an IV.
• Antibiotics, antiviral drugs, and/or antifungal drugs are used to treat infections.
• Drinking water and sugarless drinks may help manage dry mouth. Sucking on ice chips or having sugar-free chewing gum with xylitol may also help. Avoid things that will dry out the mouth, such as soda, fruit juice, cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and alcohol.
• Medications that make saliva may help some people prevent or lessen dry mouth. Topical oral gels or other medications may help dry mouth caused by radiation therapy to the head and neck.

The bottom line is that you should see the dentist before chemotherapy begins. It’s important for your dentist and cancer doctor to work together to ensure you have minimal side effects and keep you as comfortable as possible. If you have any questions or concerns please contact our office. Noll Family Dentistry is here to help, always.

Long-term stress can certainly hurt your health both physically and emotionally but one thing many people don’t know is that it can also be bad for your teeth and mouth. It’s important to pinpoint the causes of your stress and know your body’s early warning signs. Paying attention to oral symptoms of stress can provide clues to how it’s affecting the rest of your body.

6 ways stress affects your teeth

1. Teeth grinding and clenching: If you grind your teeth, you probably do it while you sleep. It’s a common oral health problem. It can cause headaches, a sore jaw, and damage to your teeth. Severe teeth grinding can cause loose teeth or even broken or lost teeth. Stress and anxiety are major causes of teeth grinding.

2. Gum disease: Stress can lower your immune system and increase your risk for infection in the mouth, including gum disease. Taking extra care when you can’t visit a dentist for regular cleanings can help keep bacterial plaque levels down in your mouth. 

3. TMJ: Disorders of the jaw joint or chewing muscles. These can cause pain around the ear or face. Swelling or stiffness in these joints can cause a TMJ disorder. Symptoms can include pain, clicking, and popping. Stress is a major cause of TMJ problems. For instance, stress can cause you to clench your jaw and grind your teeth. The increased stress can also lead to tight muscles in the neck and that further aggravates discomfort. 

4. Dry mouth: A dry, hot, and burning feeling in your mouth. Stress, anxiety, and depression may be part of the problem. Dry mouth syndrome is more common in women after menopause, so hormone changes may also be involved. Stress-related smoking and drinking can make burning mouth worse.

5. Canker sores: which are caused by the herpes simplex virus HSV-1. Triggers include vitamin B deficiency and any type of mouth injury or irritation. Several studies now show that stress is another big trigger for canker sores. You may be able to reduce canker sores by reducing stress.

6. Nail-Biting: A stress-related habit that can be harmful to your oral health and your overall health. Nail-biting can move your teeth out of position. It can also damage your teeth. Adding the germs from your fingernails to the germs in your mouth can lead to mouth infections. You can even spread warts from your hands to your mouth. Viruses and bacteria that get picked up on your hands can spread to the rest of your body.

Limit stress:

Every step you take to reduce stress helps your system from head to toe. Make sure you get adequate sleep, include daily physical activity, deep breathing or meditation, and spend time connecting with family. 

Contact us at Noll Family Dentistry if you have any questions or concerns about your dental health!

Most mouthwashes advertise their tingling sensation as a sign that the product is working. But for many people, using mouthwash doesn’t feel refreshing it feels painful, and it burns. If you switch to a mouthwash that doesn’t contain alcohol but still experience the burning sensation, you may be sensitive to one of the other active ingredients in your oral rinse.

Reasons mouthwash may burn

A lot of popular mouthwash ingredients include chlorhexidine, which may reduce plaque and help fight gingivitis, as well as cetylpyridinium chloride, which kills bad-breath-causing bacteria. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also documented a rare but severe allergy that some people may have to chlorhexidine.

Whitening mouthwashes often contain hydrogen peroxide. Other ingredients like essential oils, peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, and thyme oil can be added to freshen breath. All of those ingredients can cause your oral rinse to burn as you use it.

In mouthwash with alcohol, it is there to kill bacteria and sanitize your mouth. But pure alcohol alone isn’t enough to kill all the bad bacteria that can cause bad breath and gingivitis. Alcohol is usually just one of the active ingredients in mouthwash. They can still include the other mint flavor ingredients and oils which for some people can cause unbearable burning.

Do all mouthwashes burn?

Not all mouthwashes cause burning, but your level of sensitivity to different ingredients might make it difficult to find one that doesn’t cause any burning symptoms.

Alcohol isn’t a necessary ingredient for an effective, bacteria-killing mouthwash. Some oral rinses are made without alcohol and can be more gentle on your tongue, mouth, and gums. Most of the leading mouthwash brands make alcohol-free formulas.

Menthol isn’t a necessary ingredient in mouthwash either. Oral rinses that are menthol-free, mint-free, or flavorless are readily available and sold wherever you typically buy your mouthwash. You might need to try a few different formulas before you find an oral rinse that you like.

The Takeaway

It’s not unusual for mouthwash to burn as you rinse your mouth with it. Ingredients like alcohol and menthol, which cause the burning sensation, are often found in mouthwash. Even though it’s not usually a cause for concern, there are plenty of alternative mouthwashes that you can purchase if your mouthwash is painful to use.

Using a mouthwash does not take the place of optimal brushing and flossing. Mouthwashes may offer additional benefit in terms of reducing the risk of bad breath, cavities, or gum disease; or for relief of dry mouth or pain from oral sores.

Always follow the instructions on your mouthwash, and ask a dentist for a mouthwash recommendation if you have difficulty finding one that works for you. You should also look for a mouthwash with the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance.

Have you ever felt pain or discomfort after a bite of ice cream or a spoonful of hot soup? If so, you’re not alone. While pain caused by hot or cold foods could be a sign of a cavity, it’s also common in people who have sensitive teeth. When you have sensitive teeth, certain activities, such as brushing, eating, and drinking, can cause sharp, temporary pain in your teeth. Sensitive teeth are typically the result of worn tooth enamel or exposed tooth roots. It may be time to talk to your dentist about your sensitive teeth.

To be able to treat the sensitivity, it helps to know what might be the source of the pain.

Your Dentist Might Recommend Trying:

• Desensitizing toothpaste – After several applications, desensitizing toothpaste can sometimes help block pain associated with sensitive teeth. There are a variety of products available over-the-counter.
• Fluoride – Your dentist might apply fluoride to the sensitive areas of your teeth to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce pain.
• Desensitizing or bonding – Occasionally, exposed root surfaces can be treated by applying bonding resin to the sensitive root surfaces. A local anesthetic might be needed.
• Surgical gum graft – If your tooth root has lost gum tissue, a small amount of gum tissue can be taken from elsewhere in your mouth and attached to the affected site. This can protect exposed roots and reduce sensitivity.
• Root canal – If your sensitive teeth cause severe pain and other treatments aren’t effective, your dentist might recommend a root canal — a procedure used to treat problems in the tooth’s soft core (dental pulp). While this might seem like a significant treatment, it’s considered the most successful technique for eliminating tooth sensitivity.

Take Care Of Tooth Enamel:

• Don’t brush too hard: Side-to-side brushing right at the gum line can make your enamel go away faster. You should use a soft-bristled brush and work at a 45-degree angle to your gum to keep enamel clean and strong.
• Unclench your teeth: Over time, teeth grinding wears away your enamel. Your dentist can fit you for a splint or a mouthguard.
• Take a break from bleaching: Sensitivity from bleaching is usually temporary. Talk to your dentist about how the treatment might be affecting you, and whether you should continue it.
• Avoid acidic foods and drinks: Carbonated drinks, citrus fruits, and wine all of which can remove small amounts of tooth enamel over time. When you drink acidic liquids, use a straw to limit contact with your teeth. After eating or drinking an acidic substance, drink water to balance the acid levels in your mouth.

Instead, snack on:

• Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables
• Cheese
• Milk
• Plain yogurt

These will moisten your mouth and help fight acid and bacteria that can eat away at your teeth. You can also drink green or black tea or chew sugarless gum. If you do eat something acidic, don’t rush to brush. Wait an hour or so to strengthen before you scrub.

If your case is serious, your dentist might suggest a root canal. It’s also important not to shy away from dental care because of tooth pain. Ignoring your teeth can make things worse. Brush and floss twice a day to help keep your smile bright and pain-free. And see your dentist for a checkup twice a year! Call us at Noll Family Dentistry to schedule an appointment!

Although charcoal toothpaste is getting a lot of attention and press lately, it’s not more effective than other toothpastes and at-home whitening products on the market. It’s become a trendy ingredient in commercial face masks and scrubs, and some people also vouch for it whitening their teeth.

Activated charcoal is a fine grain powder made from wood, coconut shells, and other natural substances that are oxidized under extreme heat. There are many charcoal toothpaste products available today. It’s highly absorbent and used medically to absorb and remove toxins. But does it really work for teeth whitening?

Does it work?

There’s a difference between removing surface stains and whitening. Surface stains, also known as extrinsic stains, come from the usual suspects: coffee, red wine, tobacco, and dark-colored foods and drinks. They live on the enamel layer and can generally be removed with toothpastes or surface whitening treatments. Activated charcoal in toothpaste may help remove surface stains on your teeth. Charcoal is mildly abrasive and is also able to absorb surface stains to some degree. There is no evidence, though, that it has any effect on stains below a tooth’s enamel, or that it has a natural whitening effect.

Deeper, intrinsic stains are dark coloring that comes from within the tooth, sometimes as a result of trauma, weak enamel, certain types of medication, and even overuse of fluoride. Think of these as the underlying color of your teeth; no matter how dedicated you are to whitening the surface, a major lightening of tooth color can only come from bleaching treatments that penetrate below the outer surface of teeth.

While activated charcoal does have some proven benefits, there isn’t enough scientific evidence to include teeth whitening as one of them.

Is charcoal toothpaste safe in the long run? 

More research is needed on the long-term effects of charcoal toothpaste. Here’s what we do know about charcoal toothpaste so far:

• Charcoal toothpaste is too abrasive for everyday use. Using a material that’s too abrasive on your teeth can wear down your enamel.
• Most charcoal toothpaste brands don’t contain fluoride. Fluoride helps keep your tooth enamel strong, which helps to protect your teeth against cavities and decay.
• It may cause staining on some teeth. Charcoal particles could accumulate in the cracks and crevices of older teeth.
• Charcoal’s effect on dental restorations isn’t known. It’s not yet known how charcoal affects the materials used to make veneers, bridges, crowns, and white fillings.

There are also concerns about the abrasiveness of charcoal, which some say could damage enamel if used regularly, as well as charcoal’s tendency to absorb all sorts of things it comes into contact with, including good things like medications. Others argue that charcoal isn’t specifically bad for teeth, it simply won’t do much for your smile in the longterm since the active ingredient isn’t in contact with the tooth surface for enough time to have a meaningful whitening effect. 

The Takeaway:

If you have educated yourself about the potential dangers of charcoal teeth whitening but still want to give it a try, ask your dentist for recommendations. Your dentist can help you select from the at-home and in-office teeth whitening treatments that are available. If you and your dentist choose a teeth whitening method together, you don’t have to worry about the risk of unsafe ingredients or enamel erosion.

Contact us at Noll Family Dentistry with any questions or to make an appointment!

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums, the soft tissues in your mouth that surround your teeth and jawbone. This infection is caused by harmful bacteria that is housed in plaque, which is a soft & sticky film that builds on our teeth every single day.  

Gum disease afflicts more than half of adults over the age of 30 in America! It is a serious infection that can not only lead to tooth loss but can also affect your overall health as well. What is even worse is that many don’t even realize they have it. So how is gum disease treated?

Non-surgical treatment options

Unfortunately, because gum disease is caused by bacteria that is forming in your mouth daily, there is not a complete cure for the disease, only management with a combination of periodontal therapy and proper oral home care. How easily gum health can be managed depends on your level of disease, risk factors, periodontal maintenance schedule, and your own home care.

• After therapy, home care is an important part of periodontal health management. Your dentist will help you create an effective home care routine that will fit your needs. This routine may include power toothbrushes, various flossing or in-between cleaning tools, special toothpaste, and mouth rinses. Home therapies can help reduce bacteria but alone cannot treat your disease because the infection has already caused damage to underlying tissues that require professional periodontal therapy.
• Scaling and root planing is another option. This is a deep-cleaning, nonsurgical procedure, done under a local anesthetic, whereby plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line are scraped away (scaling) and rough spots on the tooth root are made smooth (planing). Smoothing the rough spots removes bacteria and provides a clean surface for the gums to reattach to the teeth. Scaling and root planing is done if your dentist or periodontist determines that you have plaque and calculus under the gums that need to be removed.

Surgical treatments for gum disease

• Flap surgery/pocket reduction surgery– During this procedure, the gums are lifted back and the tartar is removed. The gums are then placed so that the tissue fits snugly around the tooth. This method reduces the size of the space between the gum and tooth, thereby decreasing the areas where harmful bacteria can grow and decreasing the chance of serious health problems associated with periodontal disease.
• Bone grafts involve using fragments of your own bone, synthetic bone, or donated bone to replace bone destroyed by gum disease. The grafts serve as a platform for the regrowth of bone, which restores stability to teeth.
• Soft tissue grafts reinforce thin gums or fill in places where gums have receded. Grafted tissue, most often taken from the roof of the mouth, is stitched in place, adding tissue to the affected area.
• Guided tissue regeneration is performed when the bone supporting your teeth has been destroyed. Done in combination with flap surgery, a small piece of mesh-like fabric is inserted between the bone and gum tissue. This keeps the gum tissue from growing into the area where the bone should be, allowing the bone and connective tissue to regrow to better support the teeth.
• Bone surgery following flap surgery, the bone around the tooth is reshaped to decrease the craters. This makes it harder for bacteria to collect and grow.

To best maintain your gum health, it is best to see a periodontist to discuss your own level of disease, personal risk factors, treatment options, home care routine, and maintenance schedule that will help you stabilize your disease and offer continued periodontal management.