Dental Hygiene vs. Periodontal Maintenance: Differences, Importance, and Specialized Care

Oral health care is essential to maintain a healthy smile and prevent serious problems with gums and teeth. However, there is a significant difference between dental hygiene and periodontal maintenance, especially when it comes to more advanced issues like periodontitis.

Dental Hygiene: Prevention for a Healthy Smile

Dental hygiene not only refers to the daily practices we perform to keep our teeth and gums clean and healthy, such as brushing our teeth at least twice a day, using dental floss, and mouthwashes. Professional dental hygiene is the cleaning done at a dental clinic that focuses on removing tartar and plaque buildup on the teeth and gums, helping prevent issues like cavities and gingivitis. That’s why it’s important to visit the dentist for a professional cleaning at least once a year.

A professional dental cleaning helps prevent diseases like gingivitis, a mild form of gum inflammation caused by the buildup of bacterial plaque. Gingivitis, if left untreated, can progress into a more severe condition like periodontitis.

Some essential elements for daily hygiene include:

• Proper toothbrush: Depending on each case, you may need a specific type of toothbrush. We recommend visiting the clinic so the dentist can suggest the most suitable one.
• Dental floss: Essential for removing food particles and plaque between the teeth and along the gum line.
• Complete dental hygiene kit: In addition to the toothbrush and floss, this can include fluoride mouthwashes, tongue scrapers, and antimicrobial rinses.
• Professional dental hygiene: Should be done at least once a year and, depending on the specialist’s recommendation, even every six months.

Periodontal Maintenance: Specialized Treatment for Periodontitis

Periodontal maintenance goes beyond basic dental cleaning. This treatment is designed for patients diagnosed with periodontitis, a more severe disease 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 not controlled.

One of the main goals of periodontal maintenance is to prevent the disease from worsening and to restore the health of the gums. Often, more intensive treatments are required, which may include:

• Deep cleaning or root planing: This removes plaque and tartar that have accumulated below the gums.
• Gum grafting: In severe cases where the gums have significantly receded, a gum graft may be performed to cover exposed roots and regenerate lost tissue.
• Laser treatments: Used to remove infected tissue and promote healing.
• Panoramic X-ray (orthopantomography): It is crucial for a complete diagnosis. This X-ray provides an overall view of the mouth, showing the bone structure and any potential bone loss caused by periodontitis.

What’s the Difference Between Gingivitis and Periodontitis?

Gingivitis is the first stage of gum inflammation, where there is no permanent damage to the tissues that support the teeth. It manifests as redness, swelling, and bleeding when brushing or using dental floss. Gingivitis is reversible with good daily dental hygiene and regular professional cleanings at the clinic.

On the other hand, periodontitis is the progression of untreated gingivitis. The inflammation of the gums worsens and starts to destroy the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. At this stage, teeth may begin to shift or even fall out. It’s also common for diastema to appear—visible gaps between teeth caused by the loss of bone support.

Periodoncia

Periodontal Maintenance is Essential After Treatment

Once a patient has been treated for periodontitis, regular periodontal maintenance visits are crucial. These visits are more frequent than standard dental cleanings and allow the dentist to monitor the disease’s progress and prevent future damage.

When to Opt for Periodontal Maintenance Treatment?

It’s important to know that periodontal maintenance isn’t just for those with advanced periodontitis. It may also be necessary for people who have had persistent gingivitis or any other periodontal issues. Signs that you may need this type of treatment include:

• Frequent gum bleeding, even after gentle brushing.
• Receding gums or exposed roots.
• Persistent bad breath that doesn’t go away with proper hygiene.
• Loose teeth.
• Gum inflammation that doesn’t improve with regular cleaning.

At Vila Dental, we have dental clinics in Barcelona and surrounding areas, where we offer specialized care for periodontitis and advanced treatments to protect the health of your gums.

Keep Your Gums and Teeth Healthy

Dental hygiene and periodontal maintenance are two sides of the same coin when it comes to maintaining a healthy smile. While professional dental hygiene and regular visits are enough 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 are the teeth examined, but the gums’ health is also checked.

At Vila Dental, we offer comprehensive solutions for patients with gum issues. From deep cleanings to specialized treatments and the use of panoramic X-rays, we are here to help you maintain optimal oral health. If you have symptoms like gum inflammation or diastema, don’t hesitate to consult us for a complete evaluation.

Remember, taking care of your mouth doesn’t end with brushing and dental floss—it also includes keeping your gums free from diseases that could compromise your overall health.