Oral health care is essential for maintaining a healthy smile and preventing serious problems with the gums and teeth. However, there is a significant difference between dental hygiene and periodontal care, particularly when it comes to more advanced conditions such as periodontitis.
Dental Hygiene: Prevention for a Healthy Smile
Dental hygiene is not just the set of daily practices we carry out to keep our teeth and gums clean and healthy, which includes brushing our teeth at least twice a day, flossing and using mouthwash. Professional dental hygiene refers to the cleaning carried out at the dentist’s surgery, which focuses on removing tartar and plaque built up on the teeth and gums, helping to prevent problems such as tooth decay and gingivitis. That is why it is important to visit the dentist for a regular professional clean, at least once a year.
Professional dental care helps prevent conditions such as gingivitis, a mild form of gum inflammation caused by the build-up of bacterial plaque. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to a more serious condition such as periodontitis.
Essential items for daily hygiene include:
- The right toothbrush: Depending on your individual circumstances, you may need one type of toothbrush rather than another, so we recommend visiting the clinic so that your dentist can recommend the most suitable one.
- Dental floss: Essential for removing food debris and plaque from between the teeth and along the gum line.
- Complete dental hygiene kit: In addition to a toothbrush and dental floss, it may include fluoride mouthwashes, tongue scrapers and antimicrobial mouthwashes.
- Professional dental cleaning: This should be carried out at least once a year and, depending on the dentist’s advice, perhaps every six months.
Periodontal Maintenance: Specialised Treatment for Periodontitis
Periodontal care goes beyond basic dental cleaning. This treatment is designed for patients who have been diagnosed with periodontitis, a more serious condition that affects the gums and the bone supporting the teeth. Periodontitis, which develops when gingivitis is not treated in time, can lead to tooth loss if left unchecked.
One of the main aims of periodontal maintenance is to prevent the disease from getting worse and to restore gum health. More intensive treatment is often required, which may include:
- Deep cleaning or root planing: Removal of plaque and tartar that has built up beneath the gums.
- Gum graft: In severe cases, where the gums have receded significantly, a gum graft may be performed to cover the exposed roots and regenerate the lost tissue.
- Laser treatments: Used to remove infected tissue and promote healing.
- Panoramic X-ray: This is essential for a comprehensive diagnosis. This X-ray provides an overview of the mouth, showing the bone structure and any bone loss caused by periodontitis.
What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?
Gingivitis is the initial stage of gum inflammation, in which there is no permanent damage to the tissues that support the teeth. It is characterised by redness, swelling and bleeding when brushing or flossing. Gingivitis can be reversed with good daily oral hygiene and regular professional cleanings at the dentist’s surgery.
On the other hand, periodontitis is the progression of untreated gingivitis. The inflammation of the gums worsens and begins to destroy the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. At this stage, the teeth may start to become loose or even fall out. It is also common for diastemas to develop, which are visible gaps between the teeth caused by the loss of bone support.
Periodontal Maintenance Is Essential After Treatment
Once a patient has been treated for periodontitis, it is essential that they attend regular check-ups for periodontal maintenance. These appointments are more frequent than standard dental cleanings and enable the dentist to monitor the progression of the condition and prevent further damage.
When should you opt for periodontal maintenance treatment?
It is important to note that periodontal maintenance is not only intended for people with advanced periodontitis. It may also be necessary for those who have had persistent gingivitis or any other periodontal problem. Signs that you may need this type of treatment include:
- Frequent bleeding of the gums, even after gentle brushing.
- Gums that have receded or have exposed roots.
- Persistent bad breath that does not go away despite good oral hygiene.
- Tooth mobility.
- Gum inflammation that does not improve with regular cleaning.
At Vila Dental, we have dental clinics in Barcelona and the surrounding area, where we offer specialist care for periodontitis and advanced treatments to protect gum health.
If you are at risk of developing periodontitis or have already undergone treatment, following a periodontal maintenance plan is essential to prevent the problem from returning. Dental hygiene and professional care go hand in hand in the fight against gum disease.
Keep Your Gums and Teeth Healthy
Dental hygiene and periodontal care are two sides of the same coin when it comes to maintaining a healthy smile. Whilst professional dental hygiene and regular check-ups are sufficient for most people, those who have already developed periodontitis require additional care. As with all health conditions, prevention and early diagnosis are key. During regular visits to the dentist, not only is the health of the teeth checked, but also that of the gums.
At Vila Dental, we offer comprehensive solutions for patients with gum problems. From deep cleanings to specialist treatments and the use of panoramic X-rays, we are here to help you maintain optimal oral health. If you have symptoms such as swollen gums or a diastema, please do not hesitate to contact us for a full assessment.
Remember, looking after your mouth isn’t just about brushing and flossing; it also involves keeping your gums free from conditions that could affect your overall health.
