Will Your Nutritional Habits Lead to Periodontal Disease?

You may have heard, time and time again, that sugary foods, drinks, and non-nutritional snacks are bad for your teeth. Though you may not question this logic, it’s important to understand what role your diet plays in your oral health.

One of the many diseases that Dr. Okamoto works to treat is periodontitis, a common yet preventable disease characterized by bleeding gums and brought on by bacteria attacking the tooth enamel and soft tissue. Although many believe the primary cause of gum disease to be poor oral hygiene, evidence also shows a correlation between diet and the onset of periodontitis.

What Foods Are You Eating in Excess?

Research suggests that diets rich in carbohydrates lead to more cases of gum disease. That’s because the sugars contained in carbohydrates become sticky, adhering to tooth enamel and allowing bacteria to spread. Combine large amounts of carbohydrates with poor oral hygiene practices and the bacteria on your teeth start to impact your gums as well.

As you work to improve your oral health, be mindful of the foods you consume. Of course, even the healthiest of foods contain some sugar, but the added sugars in many processed foods are what will do your teeth and gums the most harm. Read ingredient labels, and if you must indulge in your favorite treat, make sure to brush and floss thoroughly afterward.

What Foods Aren’t You Eating Enough Of?

While you’re limiting the amount of sugar you eat, it's also essential that you take in certain nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which are good for your body overall and support a healthy diet. Without them, your immune system may weaken and allow certain infections to spread.

When your diet lacks particular nutrients, periodontal disease may have an easier time affecting your gums. For this reason, a balanced diet is important to maintain. Fruits, vegetables and dairy products contain vitamins and minerals that benefit your oral health if eaten regularly. Proteins are also important for the strength of your tooth enamel.

Preventing Periodontal Disease Starts With You!

With a balanced diet, good oral hygiene practices, and regular dental checkups, you can keep periodontal disease at bay. If you would like more information about periodontal disease, contact Dr. Okamoto to schedule an appointment.

Is a Quadrant Cleaning Right for You?

If you visit your dentist bi-annually, you know to expect an examination and cleaning, but that’s only the routine when your oral health is relatively stable. For patients with excess plaque and tartar or signs of tooth decay, a standard cleaning may not alleviate these problems.

A quadrant cleaning, or deep cleaning, takes care of issues beneath the gum line. Dr. Okamoto may recommend a quadrant cleaning if you exhibit more severe oral health concerns such as signs of periodontal disease. If you’re curious about whether quadrant cleanings can improve the health and appearance of your teeth, find out more about the procedure below.

When is a Quadrant Cleaning Necessary?

If it’s been some time since you’ve visited a dentist or you have a particular area of your smile that needs more care, a quadrant cleaning may be able to prevent further dental problems. The word quadrant refers to one of four areas in your smile that require more extensive cleaning. Typically, patients with tissue infection, tooth decay, bleeding gums, or gum recession can benefit from a deeper cleaning.

When it’s no longer possible to address all current dental problems through a traditional cleaning, your dentist may call for a quadrant cleaning. The procedure is your dentist's way of performing the least invasive treatment possible to protect the health of teeth and gums.

What’s the Treatment Like?

A quadrant cleaning focuses on one section of your dentition at a time, which ensures your dentist’s undivided attention in a single area. If necessary, a local anesthetic is used to make you as comfortable as possible during treatment.

Dr. Okamoto thoroughly removes all plaque and tartar from tooth enamel as well as any debris below the gum line. Measurements of soft tissue can also be taken to determine the severity of gum disease, if symptoms present themselves.

Additional treatment is performed if deep pockets around your teeth have developed, or if soft tissue infection has created abscesses and larger issues. Dr. Okamoto will determine the best method of cleaning during an examination beforehand.

What Happens After Treatment?

Your teeth and gums should feel no different than they would after a regular cleaning, but if you do experience any discomfort, an over-the-counter pain medication can help. Dr. Okamoto may suggest that you use an oral rinse regularly and will give you instructions on how to care for your teeth and gums at home.

Quadrant cleanings are usually completed in phases, with one to two areas addressed at a time. Patients are typically asked to come in for a routine check-up every three to six months, depending on their individual case.

A quadrant cleaning can save your teeth and prevent dental issues in the future. For more information about quadrant cleanings or any of our other services, contact Steven K. Okamoto, DDS at (310) 362-6395 to schedule an appointment.