Do i have to see the dentist more often after being diagnosed with gum disease? at my last visit to the dentist, i was told that i have gum disease. i think i've always taken good care of my teeth, and have never had gum disease before. should expect or a

Most : Most studies show that every three months is one of the most appropriate and effective intervals for a patient that has had treatment for periodontal disease. Please note that your problem must be treated and then controlled. There are few shortcuts.

Gum : Gum disease (periodontitis) progresses slowly, but over time wreak havoc on the support structure of your teeth, your bone. Your dentist needs to come up with a treatment plan to treat your condition and arrest the progression of the bone loss. Cleanings every six months is an arbitrary number, and your needs will be different from someone else's. Expect to see your dentist more often than you have been seeing him.

Did : Did you dentist recommend any treatment for the gum disease? I would think that he or she would want to be proactive in treating this with either more frequent recall visits, or possibly deep cleanings and medication.

Rx and homecare Rx: Bacteria cause the problems. Brushing and flossing are part of the answer, but don't do a good job of controlling the bacteria. The perio protect method has been shown to be better than deep cleaning (j clin dent 2012) and it killed 99.98% of the bacteria j dent res 2007. www.perioprotect.com, find a dentist near you should give you some help. Treat the cause and maintain your health.

Seek 2nd opinion: Gum disease can be controlled easily in 3 areas. Firstly, oral hygiene should be at an acceptable level so that the level of periodontal pathogen would be controlled and could not express their destruction potential. Secondly, your bite (occlusion) should be optimal. Your dentist will help you to get this. Finally, your overal health should be well (no diabetic nor immunocompromised problem).

Yes, if it's TRUE: I would recommend a second opinion by a gum specialist (periodontist). Depending on the severity of the disease, if present, will dictate how often you should see your dentist. I recommend all my patients come 3 times a year, even though insurance doesn't cover it. Some people need 4 or 5 times a year. Depends on the person. Insurance doesn't know your dental needs like the dentist does!