Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Why Did My Dentist Recommend A Three Month Cleaning Schedule?

Your Dentist Recommended  A Three or Four Month Cleaning Schedule - Why?  


While I'm not a mind reader and can't tell you exactly why your particular dentist recommended more frequent cleanings, I can tell you the most likely reason. 

Many of periodontal pockets were likely at depths above 3mm.   

When periodontal pockets are at 3mm or less, most dentists would say your gums are healthy at that point.    The opposite is also true.  When you are above 3mms, most dental professionals would say you have a problem.   This might otherwise be called gum disease. 

The solution is simple.  Get your pocket depths down to 3mm or less and you might, depending on your dentist, go back to a 6 month cleaning schedule.  


Why [else] is this important?  

Gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss.  Nothing else even comes close.   So, keeping your periodontal pockets down is crucial in the quest to keep your teeth for a lifetime of use.   

Accidents do happen, and can't always be controlled.  That's why they are called accidents.   Examples might include a blow to the head or a fall.    

Aside from accidents, you have at least some degree of control over whether you lose or keep your teeth for the rest of your life. 

Diet plays a role too.  You cannot overlook that.   And I do recommend you begin to learn about diet for your teeth.   You find out that what is good for your teeth may be good for the rest of your body as well. 

This is a digression. 


Let's Talk About Shrinking Those Periodontal Pockets


To answer your first question:  Yes, Periodontal pockets can shrink.  They can also get deeper.   Your end goal is to get to 3mm or less on every tooth.   No 4s and obviously nothing larger than that.  

The next logical question is how.   The simple answer is to improve your dental hygiene.  

As in most things, it can become more complicated from there.    Not everyone can control their gum disease, but most people can.  The vast majority can.   So, it is VERY likely that you are among those who CAN do something about this problem. 

I had the problem of deeper pockets way back in 2005.    Actually, I probably had them before then, but that is when I first learned that I had  'moderate' gum disease.    It took a bit of reading to understand what was 'really' going on.   

I ended up writing a book called,  "What You Should Know About Gum Disease, The Layman's Guide To Fighting Gum Disease".   This can short cut and simplify the learning curve.  

I Tried Many Things

I put off the 'deep cleaning'  or SRP or Scaling and Root Planing Treatment that the dentist recommended.   I wanted to find a way to solve this problem without undergoing this painful and oftentimes problematic treatment.  

I tried a lot of things.  I tried various mouthwashes and toothpastes.  I tried essential oils.  I tried oil pulling.   

Everytime I went back after trying what I thought might work, I was disappointed.  My gums had not improved and I still needed that deep cleaning treatment. 

Finally, I ran across something I thought was a long shot.   I got this machine and I used it a lot.  
When I went back, the dentist and hygienist were visibly surprised.

After what seemed like a long time of staring into my mouth, the dentist finally said:  " Whatever you are doing keep it up.  You don't need that treatment anymore.".  

That was a victory in more ways than one.   

This is what I used:  

https://toothygrins.net/products/hydro-floss-oral-irrigator-new-generation

There is no guarantee that what I did will work for you.   But I do know it has worked for me and others that I have spoken too over the last 10 years or longer. 

I do provide a special coaching consultation to explain how to get the most out of your new machine.  But that is reserved for those who buy from the above link or ToothyGrinsStore.com  where I sell it.  Only when you purchase the machine from one of those two places are you entitled to the free coaching consultation.

Again,  it may not work for you and you should always be under the watchful eye of your dentist or periodontist (the go to specialist in gum health and disease). 

Stay healthy and well.

David