Chances are you have a solid routine when it comes to oral hygiene. Brush, maybe floss, gargle, repeat. And you should continue to do all of those things.
You may even schedule regular, six-month dental cleanings. That’s great. Keep it up.

But for over half of American adults, that’s still not enough to ward off bad breath, gum disease or even overall health issues.

That’s because your toothbrush is a tool, as in just one tool, that can only do so much. When it comes to penetrating below the gum line, where open wounds and gum disease are known to thrive, you need more.

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is a silent epidemic. According to the center for Disease Control, nearly half of Americans 30 or older have periodontitis. The World Health Organization includes Gingivitis and estimates more than 80% of adults in the US have some form of gum disease. Many people don’t know they have the disease, others don’t take it seriously enough.

Gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection hidden below your gums. Dental cleanings can effectively remove the bacteria, but the bacteria re-populate almost immediately, and the infectious cycle continues. It’s important to keep brushing and flossing, but toothbrush, rinse and floss just can’t reach deep enough to address infections below your gums.

Treatment is important. Not only is gum disease the number one cause of tooth loss, but research has also linked oral bacteria infections to Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and other chronic health conditions.

What are the symptoms of Gum Disease?

• Bleeding Gums
• Sensitive Teeth
• Persistent bad breath
• Swollen, red or tender gums
• Spaces developing between your teeth
• Receding gums (Teeth may appear longer)
• Loose or mobile teeth

Why is it important to get my Gum Disease treated?

Many people ignore the symptoms of gum disease because they are hidden from view, but the disease is serious.

If you had an open, bleeding wound in your hand, you would treat it. Infected wounds in your mouth should be treated with the same urgency.

Research shows a connection between gum disease and serious health concerns including:

• Type 2 Diabetes
• Cardiovascular Diseases
• Hardening of the arteries
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Low Birth Weight babies
• Chronic Inflammatory Conditions

Oral bacteria can enter the body through infected gum tissue!

What are my Treatment Options?

Professional cleanings called debridement and Scaling are the most common procedures used to remove biofilms at a dental office. Unfortunately, bacteria growth is hard to control between office visits. Biofilm regenerates very easily and are difficult to reach under the gums with a toothbrush, rinse and floss.

But now you can do more to prevent biofilm regrowth with…

Perio Protect®, At-Home Gum Disease Treatment

The Perio Tray^® by Perio Protect gently applies medication deep under the gums to fight the infections and prevent their recurrence. You use it at home for just minutes each day. The Tray is comfortable, flexible, and custom-fit precisely for your mouth.

Not only does Perio Tray^® therapy help improve your health, it can also help you smile with more confidence. Patients using Perio Trays^® report whiter teeth and fresher breath. Chronic bad breath often signals chronic gum disease. Address the disease and freshen your breath.

If you’ve been told that you have gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis), ask our team at Crystal Dental if Perio Trays^® are right for you.

Benefits of Perio Protect®

The benefits of Perio Trays^®   are remarkable.

• Minimally Invasive
  • Fight gum disease from the comfort of your home
• Highly Effective
  • Treats periodontal inflammation at the source
• Versatile
  • Easy to fit into your daily lufe
• Patient Satisfaction
  • Even see favorable side effects like fresher breath and whiter teeth

Perio Protect® – Before & After

By treating gum disease in this non-invasive way, you can clear up infections that cause bleeding of the gums. This is important because bleeding gums can become a conduit for pathogens to enter your bloodstream and lead to larger issues like heart disease, diabetes and colorectal cancer.

Further, this treatment also brightens teeth and freshens breath so keep brushing. Maybe get a new toothbrush while you’re thinking about it but keep brushing. And know that the results you may be seeking can be achieved with a treatment that is almost as simple as brushing your teeth.

Our dental team at Crystal Dental is proud to offer Perio Protect® to help treat gum disease and the bacteria growing in the pockets between your teeth and gum tissue. To learn more or to schedule a consultation with our dentist in Los Angeles, please call 213.748.8448 or contact us here.