Imagine you are shopping for your dream house. You find an amazing house on the river with a perfectly manicured lawn, beautiful new paint and new flooring. The only problem with this lovely home is that the foundation is cracked. It doesn't matter how beautiful the house is, it is doomed to eventual destruction because it isn't on a steady foundation.

Periodontal disease is the same way. It doesn't matter how much work you do on your teeth to make them look beautiful, because the foundation is compromised. The teeth are doomed to fall out or become infected because of the underlying disease.

Here's what happens: A healthy tooth (or teeth) starts to get gum disease. This is known as gingivitis or, in normal people language, "gum infection." Usually all that is needed at this point is for the person to start coming regularly to their cleaning appointments and for them to increase the amount of attention spent on their teeth at home (like brushing them every day).

Left untreated, gingivitis will progress to a different disease known as periodontitis or, in other words (again for us humans out there), "infection all around the teeth." When things reach this stage, it means that the underlying bones have picked up the infection and are starting to degrade - sometimes at an alarming rate.

Incidentally, periodontitis is also one of the main causes of bad breath and unfortunately, it's not something that will just go away with brushing and flossing. At this point, a person needs a therapy known as "scaling and root planing." Many people also refer to this procedure as a "deep cleaning." If the disease goes too far, then teeth start becoming loose due to the poor bone quality and can even fall out.

It is important to mention that this is more than a simple 'deep cleaning.' This procedure is not simply a cleaning; it is a periodontal therapy that can prevent periodotitis from progressing into tooth loss, and it can cure mild forms of the disease. Scaling and root planning can also prevent the need for the expensive gum surgery required for more advanced forms.

The good news is that for most people it is possible to stop the process of bone degeneration through a good cleaning program, although some will need more advanced therapies as follow-up. We then have you return to our office on a regular basis for maintenance visits and to make sure that everything stays healthy, as it should be.

Do you remember as a kid you were always told to brush your teeth before going to bed? Do you remember how that dental hygienist came to your grade-school class and showed you a big stuffed alligator or hippo and talked about flossing? Well, believe it or not, that stuff really matters. Brushing and flossing at home obviously keep your teeth clean, and also keep your foundation (gums) healthy for a long-lasting, beautiful smile.

Dr. Logan Hazard recently opened Heartwood Family Dental in Post Falls. At Heartwood, we offer free exams and X-rays for all new patients, treatment for the entire family, a wonderful team, and acceptance of all insurances in the area. Call Justine today at (208) 777-1542.