DENTAL TOPICS by Dr. Charles M. & Dr. Chas M. Carpenter ROOTING OUT GUM DISEASE Gum disease occurs as a result of the accumulation of the sticky film of bacteria called "plaque" that is constantly forming on tooth surfaces. If teeth aren't brushed and flossed daily, the bacteria can lead to gum inflammation. As a result, gum tissue pulls away from teeth to form spaces called "pockets." When plaque gets trapped in these pockets and cannot be removed with regular brushing, the dentist may resort to the deep- cleaning procedure known as "scaling and planing." This involves removing all the plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) above and below the gum line with specialized instruments. Local antibiotics (Periochip, Atridox, and Arestin) may be strategically placed in the newly cleaned pockets to further inhibit bacterial growth. P.S. With direct local delivery of antibiotics to pockets surrounding teeth, the concentration of the antibiotic can be 100 times greater than taking the medication orally. Although plaque is the number one cause of gum disease, other factors can contribute to its taking hold on your teeth. Hormonal changes medications, certain illnesses, bad habits, and even a family history of dental disease can all play a part. However, diligence in home care and regular professional visits go a long way to lessen the impact gum disease has on your mouth as well as overall health. We offer a full range of services to meet all your oral health care needs at CARPENTER DENTAL, including laser-assisted periodontal therapy. Located at 1086 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort, please call 570.331.0909 for an appointment. Dr. Charles M. & Dr. Chas M. Carpenter Carpenter Dental 1086 Wyoming Avenue Forty Fort, PA (570) 331-0909 Elaine Carpenter RDH www.carpenterdental.com DENTAL TOPICS by Dr. Charles M. & Dr. Chas M. Carpenter ROOTING OUT GUM DISEASE Gum disease occurs as a result of the accumulation of the sticky film of bacteria called "plaque" that is constantly forming on tooth surfaces. If teeth aren't brushed and flossed daily, the bacteria can lead to gum inflammation. As a result, gum tissue pulls away from teeth to form spaces called "pockets." When plaque gets trapped in these pockets and cannot be removed with regular brushing, the dentist may resort to the deep- cleaning procedure known as "scaling and planing." This involves removing all the plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) above and below the gum line with specialized instruments. Local antibiotics (Periochip, Atridox, and Arestin) may be strategically placed in the newly cleaned pockets to further inhibit bacterial growth. P.S. With direct local delivery of antibiotics to pockets surrounding teeth, the concentration of the antibiotic can be 100 times greater than taking the medication orally. Although plaque is the number one cause of gum disease, other factors can contribute to its taking hold on your teeth. Hormonal changes medications, certain illnesses, bad habits, and even a family history of dental disease can all play a part. However, diligence in home care and regular professional visits go a long way to lessen the impact gum disease has on your mouth as well as overall health. We offer a full range of services to meet all your oral health care needs at CARPENTER DENTAL, including laser-assisted periodontal therapy. Located at 1086 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort, please call 570.331.0909 for an appointment. Dr. Charles M. & Dr. Chas M. Carpenter Carpenter Dental 1086 Wyoming Avenue Forty Fort, PA (570) 331-0909 Elaine Carpenter RDH www.carpenterdental.com