Dentaltown January 2017 - 42

periodontics

message board

Every quality periodontal clinical study for the past 50 years demonstrates that frequency
of recare is the key to this manageability with at least a 3-4-month interval and even higher for
more susceptibility. While most desire a metric to determine a level of clinical inflammation,
many of our signs at the chair have weak validity and thus the term "arrest" is questionable.
Therefore, my advice is to continue to manage the way you have stated in your post and not
have a third party dictate or intervene. Both you and your respective patient will achieve a goal
of wellbeing. ■
10/30/2016

zellie
Member Since: 07/22/08
Post: 21 of 21

I apologize for using the wrong word-you are correct that the bacteria which contribute to
periodontal disease are transmissible. They transmit to toothbrushes, the mouths and saliva of
spouses and family, potentially causing similar disease.
I beg to argue that periodontal disease differs from other chronic inflammatory conditions
because once the bacteria (that create the chronic inflammatory condition) are erased, the
wounds heal and the inflammation subsides.
Most think these conditions cannot be "cured" but I argue that our attempts for 50 years
have been limited to mechanical cleaning and wiping out all oral biofilms. This ignores some
basic requirements of "wound healing". When these are addressed, I have found periodontal
pockets heal quite quickly.
1. Daily disinfection of the equipment used to clean the gums, since bacteria infect a
toothbrush at a single use.
2. The patient's colon health impacts the body's immune system-and thus healing-so it,
plus diet and nutrition must be addressed.
3. Adequate circulation to the damaged area must be achieved to bring nutrients and cells for
healing-and vibrations from modern toothbrushes appear helpful.
4. Eliminating pathogens in the pockets and saliva, reduce and eventually stop the
infl ammatory response. The effect of mechanical cleanings and antibiotics is
temporary-so the disease returns. Chlorine dioxide creates oxygen to disrupt these
anaerobic bacteria, especially if it is used before brushing. This deals with the majority
of pathogens very nicely.
5. For true healing, we must promote healthy biofilm and protect the area from future attack.
Poor diet, bad lifestyle, and mouth breathing are negative influences, but the regular use of
100 percent xylitol mints or gum can be extremely useful as part of therapy.
This may be a new concept in the mouth but frequent SRP is no different from rototilling
weeds in a garden. The only way to establish a healthy garden ecosystem is to prepare the soil,
feed the flowers, and target weeds with precision. Pathogens do not return when a healthy oral
ecosystem is established and maintained. ■
10/30/2016

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JANUARY 2017 // dentaltown.com

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