Hygiene

Much More Than “Just a Cleaning”

If you want a healthy body, you must have a healthy mouth. Regular oral hygiene visits are an important part of making that happen.

At your typical dental office, this often means cramming a cleaning, record-taking, patient education, and a basic exam into less than an hour. Green City Dental is not your typical dental office.

We take a more comprehensive approach to your mouth/body health, discuss your concerns, and work on your personalized route to optimal oral health. This may include:

  • Reviewing and updating your medical history, and discussing any current concerns.
  • Measuring blood pressure, blood oxygen, oral pH, and temperature.
  • Taking necessary x-rays, with a homeopathic to support radiation detox
  • Assessing airway health.
  • Oral cancer screening with Velscope.
  • Periodontal charting.
  • Checking for tooth decay with our Carimeter and/or iTero scan.
  • Viewing plaque samples with a phase contrast microscope to assess the health of your oral microbiome.
  • Taking saliva samples for lab testing.
  • Looking for any signs of decay, acid erosion, and tooth wear.
  • Evaluating and reviewing oral hygiene.
  • Guided Biofilm Therapy to gently, non-abrasively remove plaque above and below the gumline.
  • Ultrasonic scaling to remove hard deposits and deliver ozonated water under the gumline.
  • Hand-scaling with ozonated oil to remove any remaining deposits.
  • Full mouth irrigation and disinfection with ozone.
  • Laser therapy.
  • Tongue cleaning.
  • Flossing.
  • Reviewing home care instructions and your personalized plan for maintaining optimal mouth/body health.

Your mouth may be examined by one of our dentists who can answer any additional questions you may have about the results of your exams and evaluations, as well as your options for addressing any problems we’ve identified during your visit.

We can’t imagine short-changing our patients by doing dentistry any other way – even the humble hygiene visit.

After all, just like in the gut, a healthy microbiome in the mouth is essential to both oral and systemic health. The phase contrast microscope lets us test for this immediately as we evaluate the types of bacteria and pathogens in your mouth. It’s a simple yet profound way for us to get a real glimpse into the health of your gums and body. The good bacteria look totally different from the pathogens: bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

These “bad bugs” infect the mouth first, then spread to the sinus cavities. You swallow or inhale them, and simple acts like brushing, chewing, and swallowing introduce them to the bloodstream. They’re then carried throughout the body, infecting tissues such as your joints or heart or brain. This is one of the main ways that oral pathogens can impact systemic health, which is why gum disease raises your risk of developing other inflammatory conditions: diabetes, heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic kidney disease, cancer, and more.

Knowing if your 12-year-old child is teeming with spirochetes, or your 35-year-old mouth is full of parasites is key to preventing more severe problems later. Because everyone has a different microbiome, not everyone needs the same type of cleaning! A fungal infection requires a different treatment than a bacterial infection. “Cleanings” are not one size fits all. Unfortunately, that’s how they’re usually done, even though it can risk pushing those pathogens into the body. Such hygiene visits also fail to incorporate the in-depth coaching and guidance our hygienists provide so you can keep both your smile and body healthy.

At Green City Dental, we believe our patients deserve the extra care, time and attention. We want to treat causes, not symptoms, and treat everyone individually, because everyone has different needs. Our patients see and feel the fabulous results that come from investing in our kind of comprehensive, preventative approach to oral health.

This extra time and attention does mean that your hygiene visits will cost a bit more than at a typical dental office, where decisions are often driven more by what insurance covers than patient needs. Frankly, if you were to do only what insurance covers, you may never have a healthy mouth.

The investment you make now can pay dividends down the road in lower dental and medical costs and a higher, more healthful quality of life. (It can also mean you won’t need such extensive hygiene appointments later, saving you time and money, as well!)

You do get what you pay for – and your health is worth every single penny.

PerioProtect Trays

Perioprotect trays are custom-made dental trays designed to deliver therapeutic agents precisely to the periodontal tissues, providing a comfortable and secure fit. For patients with high-risk bacteria, we frequently recommend these trays as they offer targeted support to significantly enhance your periodontal care and serve as an effective alternative to antibiotic therapy.

How Do Perioprotect Trays Work?

Perioprotect trays work by applying a medication or therapeutic gel to the areas affected by periodontal disease. The trays are worn over your teeth, allowing the therapeutic agents to come into close contact with the gum line and the spaces between your teeth. This localized delivery helps target the treatment directly where it is needed most.

Perioprotect gel typically contains a combination of therapeutic agents designed to address periodontal disease. The main components usually include:

  1. Sodium Bicarbonate: This helps to neutralize acids and create an alkaline environment that supports the healing of periodontal tissues.
  2. Calcium Hydroxide: This compound aids in the remineralization of tooth surfaces and helps to strengthen and repair damaged periodontal tissues.
  3. Antimicrobial Agents: These are often included to help control bacterial growth and reduce inflammation. Common agents might include chlorhexidine or essential oils with antimicrobial properties.
  4. Hydroxyapatite: This is used to support the regeneration of periodontal tissues and help restore the natural structure of teeth and gums.

Benefits of Using Perioprotect Trays

  1. Targeted Delivery: The custom trays ensure that the therapeutic agents are delivered precisely to the areas requiring treatment, providing localized care that is more effective than general oral hygiene products.
  2. Enhanced Treatment: Perioprotect trays can enhance the results of other periodontal treatments by adding an additional layer of antimicrobial support. This can help control bacterial growth, reduce inflammation, and support overall periodontal health.

3.Improved Compliance: The trays are designed for convenience and comfort, making it easier for you to incorporate them into your daily routine. This helps improve compliance with your treatment plan, leading to better outcomes.

4.Support for Professional Treatments: When used in conjunction with other periodontal treatments, such as Scaling and Root Planing (SRP) or regenerative procedures, Perioprotect trays can help maintain and extend the benefits of these treatments.

5.Natural Whitening: As the therapeutic gel used can also lighten the teeth over time, offering a dual benefit for both oral health and aesthetic improvement.

How to Use Perioprotect Trays

Using Perioprotect trays is simple and straightforward:

  1. Custom Fit: Your dentist will take impressions of your teeth to create custom trays that fit your mouth perfectly.
  2. Application of Therapeutic Agents: You will apply the prescribed therapeutic gel to the trays, following your hygienist’s instructions.
  3. Wearing the Trays: Insert the trays over your teeth and wear them as directed, usually for a specified period each day. This allows the therapeutic agents to work effectively.
  4. Cleaning and Maintenance: After use, clean the trays thoroughly to maintain their effectiveness and hygiene.

If you want to learn more about Perioprotect trays or find out if you are a candidate for this treatment, please contact our office. We are here to help you with all your periodontal health needs.

The Links Between Gum Disease and Systemic Health

Understanding Gum Disease and Periodontal Disease

Gum disease, also known as gingivitis, is an inflammation of the gums caused by the buildup of plaque and bacteria. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to a more severe form known as periodontal disease. Periodontal disease affects not only the gums but also the bone structures supporting your teeth, potentially leading to tooth loss if not managed effectively. Recent research has highlighted significant connections between these oral health issues and various systemic health conditions, including potential links to Alzheimer’s disease, showing that gum and periodontal disease can have far-reaching effects on your overall well-being.

How Gum Disease and Periodontal Disease Affect Systemic Health

  1. Cardiovascular Health
    • Increased Risk of Heart Disease: Gum disease has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. The bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream and contribute to inflammation and the formation of plaque in the arteries, which can lead to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
  2. Diabetes
    • Complicated Blood Sugar Control: People with diabetes are more susceptible to gum disease due to their weakened immune system. Conversely, gum disease can make it more challenging to control blood sugar levels, potentially worsening diabetes management and increasing the risk of diabetic complications.
  1. Respiratory Health
    • Increased Risk of Respiratory Infections: Bacteria from the mouth can be inhaled into the lungs, leading to respiratory infections such as pneumonia. Individuals with existing lung conditions may be particularly vulnerable to these infections.
  2. Pregnancy Complications
    • Risk of Preterm Birth and Low Birth Weight: Pregnant women with periodontal disease are at a higher risk of preterm birth and having babies with low birth weight. The inflammation and bacteria associated with gum disease may contribute to complications during pregnancy.
  3. Rheumatoid Arthritis
    • Potential Exacerbation of Symptoms: There is evidence suggesting that the chronic inflammation associated with periodontal disease may exacerbate symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. The two conditions may share common inflammatory pathways, making it important to manage gum disease effectively.
  4. Kidney Disease
    • Possible Link to Kidney Health: Emerging research suggests a potential connection between periodontal disease and chronic kidney disease. The inflammation and bacterial load from gum disease may contribute to kidney dysfunction and worsen kidney health over time.
  5. Alzheimer’s Disease
    • Potential Contribution to Cognitive Decline: Recent studies suggest a possible link between periodontal disease and Alzheimer’s disease. The chronic inflammation and bacteria from gum disease may contribute to the development or progression of cognitive decline. The bacteria associated with gum disease have been found in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer’s, indicating that oral health may play a role in brain health.

How to Protect Your Systemic Health

Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for preventing and managing gum and periodontal disease, which in turn helps protect your systemic health. Here are some comprehensive strategies to safeguard both your oral and overall health:

  1. Regular Dental Check-Ups: Regular visits to the dentist for professional cleanings and check-ups can help detect and treat gum disease early, preventing its progression and associated systemic risks.
  2. Proper Oral Hygiene Routine:
    • Brushing: Brush your teeth twice daily with a fluoride-free toothpaste to plaque from your teeth and gums.
    • Hydrofloss: Use a water flosser to help remove food particles and plaque between your teeth and below the gumline.
    • Cleaning In Between the Teeth: Floss or use tools like gum chucks daily to clean areas that brushing and water flossing may miss.
    • Tongue Scraping: Incorporate tongue scraping into your routine to remove bacteria, dead cells, and food particles from the surface of your tongue, which helps reduce bad breath and supports overall oral health
  3. Support Your Oral Microbiome: Maintain a healthy oral microbiome by using oral probiotics or foods that support beneficial bacteria and avoiding practices that disrupt oral health. At our office we offer salivary diagnostics and phase contrast microscope to evaluate your microbiome and make recommendations to alter or improve if needed.
  4. Gut Health: A healthy gut contributes to overall well-being and can influence oral health. Gut health is best evaluated with a stool test like Tiny Health or Viome. An OATS test can also be used for people with more extensive gut issues.
  5. Low Stress: High stress can negatively impact your immune system and oral health. Practice stress-reducing techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.
  6. Ancestral Diet/Nutrient-Dense Foods: Eat a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods similar to those consumed by our ancestors. This includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. We recommend following Weston Price Foundation or Root Cause Protocol.
  7. Nasal Breathing: Nasal breathing helps maintain a healthier oral environment and reduces the risk of dry mouth and related issues. Mouth tape can be worn at night to ensure nasal breathing and reduce a dry mouth, which contributes to gum inflammation.
  8. Exercise: Exercise supports overall health, including immune function and inflammation reduction.
  9. Hydration: Drink plenty of water to support overall health and help maintain a healthy oral environment. Adding in electrolytes is a great way to make your water taste better and get in extra essential minerals.
  10. Frequent Blood Work: Regular blood work with a functional medicine practitioner can help identify and address chronic deficiencies, heavy metal toxicity, or hormone imbalances that may affect your health.

If you have any concerns about your gum health or its impact on your overall well-being, please contact our office to schedule an appointment. We are dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain optimal oral and systemic health.