Lack of clean teeth and gums
The importance of clean teeth and thorough brushing may be well accepted, but easily taken to an extreme. For decades, organized dentistry has insisted that poor oral hygiene is the main cause of periodontal disease. This traditional "bad bugs" approach still dominates the dental profession.
Patients understand that clean teeth are critical, but we are often presented with patients who have done their homework for years while under the care of a good dentist, and yet, suffer from nagging gum trouble, unmitigated pain, sensitive teeth, sore gums, deep pockets, and costly dental bills that never seem to go away.
Patient frustration is obvious.
A hidden frustration is that many dentists still believe that periodontal disease is caused by "bad bacteria" that we must cut out, kill, and destroy with surgeries of various names, or with strong antibiotics, and alcoholic rinses. Soon, patients may be told to have their "genes" altered to solve their periodontal dilemma. Some patients are told their gum, or periodontal, disease is caused by "bad genes".
Our patients are relieved to know that they can continue their good oral hygiene habits, set aside that area of concern. and look for other causes. We all understand the importance of cleaning teeth, but periodontal problems are only the RESULT, not the causes of gum infections. Let’s talk about other causes.
Other Areas of Concern: