Conventional
Conventional cleaning, which is covered by insurance, focus on the physical removal of residue of varying degrees of hardness ( soft- plaque to hard- calculus) from the tooth surface.
Conventional cleanings do not change the micro flora in any significant way. Oral bacteria is linked to cardiovascular, GI, metabolic, reproductive, and neurological disorders.
For instance, many wonderful patients that come in religiously every 3 months for decades to get periodontal maintenance, still progress in their periodontal disease along with their system disorders. Patients still end up needing periodontal surgery or end up losing teeth. I needed to find a different way to make sure my patients can keep their teeth- since Full vital dentition is absolutely tied to longevity and health.
Diagnosis
We need a hygiene program that targets the micro organisms of the mouth. The first step is identifying the enemy: the pathogens that are not part of the normal oral flora but those causing damage in the mouth and to the body. This can be done on few different levels.
- Visual: signs of inflammation like redness, swelling and bleeding as well as pus. Recession alone can also be a sign of periodontal disease. Measurements of pockets and recession help with assessment of damage.
- Microscope : plaque from the mouth can be placed on a slide and immediately we can see bacteria, virus, mold or parasites( that are large enough) are part your oral microbiome.
- Lab test of your saliva can be sent to a lab to be tested against 800 microorganisms. Bristle Oral Health Test allows us to identify the enemy and learn the systemic issues they are contributing to.
Treatment
Biological Hygiene Therapy is added to all cleanings provided in the office with a hygienist. This includes Guided Biofilm Therapy with the Swiss system, EMS AIRFLOW which allows unprecedented effectiveness and comfort in removing Biofilm. pH testing is done to identify the acidity of the mouth. Hydroxyapatite Varnish is utilized instead of fluoride to rebuild and protect tooth enamel. Oral hygiene Instruction is given to educate proper home care.
About EMS AirFlow: https://www.ems-dental.com/en-us/products/airflow-prophylaxis-master
Bacterial Reduction Therapy
Advanced treatment done with a Cleaning, Periodontal Maintenance or Deep Cleaning, Bacterial Reduction Therapy includes everything in the Biological Hygiene Therapy in addition to the following:
Laser Bacterial Reduction Therapy
Ozone Therapy
Variety of anti microbial agents to reduce pathogenic bacteria, virus, mold, and parasite
Immune Modulation
Inflammation Modulation
Biological Hygiene Program
- Comprehensive oral assessment — periodontal health, caries risk, oral tissues, occlusion, and lifestyle factors.
- Oral microbiome management — supporting a healthy balance of oral microorganisms rather than focusing only on eliminating bacteria.
- Professional preventive care — dental cleanings, periodontal maintenance, laser therapy, deep cleaning and preventive education.
- Home-care planning — individualized brushing, interdental cleaning, tongue cleaning, and other evidence-based practices.
- Nutrition counseling — discussing dietary patterns, frequency of fermentable carbohydrates, hydration, and factors affecting caries and periodontal health.
- Periodontal health — assessing gingival inflammation and periodontal disease risk and coordinating treatment with a dentist when needed.
- Whole-person considerations — considering medications, smoking/vaping, diabetes, pregnancy, stress, and other factors that can affect oral health.
- Patient education — helping patients understand how daily habits affect oral and systemic health.