You may not be familiar with the term biofilm, but it is something you come into contact with everyday. The plaque that forms on your teeth is an example of a biofilm that causes gingivitis and periodontal disease. Clogged drains are also caused by biofilms and you may have encountered a biofilm-coated rock when walking into a river or a stream.
Biofilm occurs when bacteria are in a watery environment and begin to adhere to surfaces. These bacteria secrete sticky substances that attract more bacteria and lead to communities of disease-causing pathogens. Their uncontrolled accumulation is associated with cavities and gum disease (both gingivitis and periodontitis). Our goal is to help you find ways to reduce the biofilm forming on the surfaces of your teeth and beneath your gums and improve your overall health.
In your mouth, the biofilm appears as a yellowish buildup on the surfaces of your teeth which may be removed by meticulous brushing, flossing and regular use of antimicrobial mouthrinses. Underneath the tissues, the physical removal of the biofilm cannot be accomplished with your home care routine alone. This undisrupted biofilm is settled in its happy home, and the presence of infection accelerates. The tissues become inflamed and bleed, the pocket depths continue to increase and the pathogenic organisms become more and more harmful to the environment.
The presence of pathogenic bacteria increases the incidence of illnesses not only of the oral cavity, but of the total body as they enter the blood stream. The many systemic implications include heart disease, diabetes, stroke, respiratory infections, and adverse pregnancy outcomes to name a few. We recommend treating this infection as soon as it is identified.
One of the first steps to controlling dental inflammation is a treatment called Gingivitis Therapy. This appointment is made 4-6 weeks after the initial diagnosis of gingivitis and is an attempt to prevent the advancement of early periodontal disease.
If we find that your gingival attachments are more compromised with advanced bleeding and deeper pockets greater than 4mm, then we will recommend a series of visits to treat the periodontal infection and allow the disease to go into remission. The best way to prevent this disease is to have amazing home care habits and to visit us regularly so we may identify problems early and interrupt the disease process quickly. It is imperative to your overall health to have a healthy mouth.
We also recommend using Waterpik Water Flosser is clinically proven to be very effective for reducing plaque, gingivitis, and gum disease. And it's perfect for anyone with braces or implants, and those with crowns, bridges and veneers.
Golden Dental Wellness Center is located at 444 Community Dr., Ste. 204, Manhasset. For more information, call 516-627-8400 or visit GoldenSmile.com
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