Robert D. Follweiler
D.D.S.,P.A. Periodontology and Laser Technology
Creating and Maintaining Foundations of Oral Health
Please visit our web site www.Follweilerperio.com
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Oral Irrigators and Oral Health
Today many patients not concerned with dental
decay state that their two main concerns regarding their dental health are bad breath
and periodontal disease. The usual culprit
causing both bad breath and gum
disease is the same, plaque and the biofilm it creates. The bacteria in this biofilm do not like to
be disturbed so that they can continue to reproduce sending toxins into the
mouth which lead to bad breath and gum disease. Gum disease is the leading
cause of tooth loss in adults and periodontal disease has been linked to many
other systemic disease such as heart and lung diseases, pre- term and low birth weight babies as well as poor
glucose control in diabetics. Approximately 95%
of Americans with diabetes also have periodontal disease, due in part to
an increased susceptibility to infection. Estimates are that over 50% of the adult population
have some form of periodontal disease and don’t know it.
There are
several methods of disturbing this biofilm and the most widely practiced are tooth brushing and flossing. Most people
brush their teeth at least once a day but fewer floss. Some folks have a
difficult time flossing or they just won’t. An alternative is the water
irrigator that has been around since the 1960’s. An oral irrigator is a
dental device that uses a pulsating jet of water to flush plaque and food
debris from between teeth and below the gum line. Oral irrigators are especially helpful for
people with orthodontic appliances, crown and bridge work, dental implants, are
physically challenged and those who have
periodontal disease and are
unable to get floss and other cleaning implements down into their deeper
pockets.
Oral
irrigation reduces plaque, biofilm, calculus, gingivitis, bleeding, periodontal
pockets and a host of inflammatory processes by lowering the bacterial count in
the mouth. Improved oral health may just be a spray away. Give it a try and see
the results in a very short time.
