nov-long term solutions

To ensure your mouth stays healthy for the foreseeable future there are some preventive methods to help decrease the risk of oral diseases…

At Curtis R. Couch D.D.S in Thousand Oaks California we pride ourselves on providing long term dental solutions rather than quick fixes that may need replaced in years to come. Following a regular oral hygiene routine and consistent checkups are part of maintaining your oral health. Did you know that adults over 35 years of age will lose more teeth to gum disease (periodontal disease) than from cavities? The most effective way to prevent cavities and periodontal disease is by applying good tooth brushing and flossing techniques, each and every day.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is common, extremely common; in fact three out of four adults are affected by gum disease at some time in their life. The question is what are we doing about it? Periodontal disease and decay are both caused by bacterial plaque. Plaque constantly forms on your teeth. By thorough daily brushing and flossing you can remove these germs and help prevent periodontal disease. Plaque is produced by secretions that are made by microscopic bacteria on your teeth. By avoiding strict oral hygiene regime you are allowing plaque to gather between your teeth in crevices, and also create hard tartar which is virtually impossible to remove without the assistance of a dentist. There are two main stages of gum disease including gingivitis or gingival disease and periodontitis or periodontal disease (which can lead to the final and most severe stage where you may lose teeth and your gum line).

Tackle gingivitis to avoid further more serious gum disease…

Gingivitis always starts off with a buildup of plaque on your teeth. When starches and sugars in food interact with bacteria normally found in our mouths, plaque can is formed and if ignored can lead to gingivitis. Symptoms of gingivitis include:
  • You may experience red o swollen gums
  • Bleeding gums when brushing
  • Teeth that look elongated as a result of receding gums
By following a regular oral hygiene routine you can reduce the amount of plaque in your mouth and keep you gingivitis under control so it won’t progress into periodontics. Brushing our teeth twice a day and flossing once a day will help remove unwanted plaque. Some important things to note about proper brushing techniques; don’t rush, spend at least two minutes brushing n small circles on the front, back and the chewing surfaces of the mouth. To get optimum brushing results tilt your brush up and down accordingly to your teeth and work the bristles under your gums. Ensure you don’t forget your tongue, you taste buds are like a landing pad for bacteria to grab onto, brushing your tongue removes these and will help freshen your breath.

If you’re past the stage of gingivitis you need to look into professional help to confront periodontitis…

When gingivitis is left untreated, it can develop into periodontitis or periodontal disease, which refers to inflammation around the tooth. In periodontitis, gums end up pulling away from the teeth and form spaces, called pockets that become infected. The body’s immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line. Bacterial toxins and the body’s natural response to infection start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. If not treated, the bones, gums, and tissue that support the teeth are destroyed. The teeth may eventually become loose and have to be removed, this is the most severe stage of gum disease and it could have been avoided with preventive at home care in the early stages. While ignoring gingivitis can lead to periodontitis the following factors can also contribute to this disease:
  • Smoking
  • Diabetes
  • Stress
  • Clenching and grinding teeth
  • Medication
  • Poor nutrition
Here at Curtis R. Couch we will work with patients suffering from poor oral hygiene to treat gingivitis and periodontal disease. We encourage patients to book regular appointments to ensure we can catch the signs of gingivitis in its earlier stages before it progresses into full blown periodontal disease.

What do I do if I have reached the stage where my teeth are falling out?

Here at Dr. Curtis R. Couch we offer restorative and cosmetic solutions for patients who are missing teeth as a result of severe periodontitis. Our implant dentistry treatment along with crown and bridge solutions can help you regain the teeth you lost from untreated periodontitis. These treatments will let you regain the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence, knowing that teeth appear natural and that your facial contours will be preserved. While these treatments can replace lost teeth their upkeep is similar to that of your natural teeth. This means if you still haven’t developed an effective oral hygiene routine you will be back to where you started. The most important thing you can do for your mouth is to maintain a routine that will keep your teeth clean and prevent further bacteria from building in your mouth and causing gum disease as described above. At Dr. Curtis R. Couch in Thousand Oaks California we ensure your entire experience is customized and designed with your needs in mind. We understand the importance of creating long-lasting relationships with our patients, with our dental office focused on long term solutions we ensure that our relationships are built on care and most importantly trust to ensure our patients feel confident and comfortable with our services. We encourage our patients to develop a thorough dental hygiene routine while scheduling regular appointments with us to assess your oral health and best treatments for your oral needs. [cta] To find out more about gum disease and oral hygiene routine please do not hesitate to call Dr. Curtis R. Couch at (805) 496 8077 or contact us online. [/cta]