We are all inundated with numbers these days. There are even "sleep number beds"! Your gums have numbers too. When you visit our office, Dr Johnson or the hygienist will exam your gums and measure the "pocket depth" and call out a bunch of numbers. What do they mean? Well if they are calling out 1-3, you are doing a good job cleaning your teeth on a regular basis. I they call out 4-5, you have some work to do. You need to go get new floss and interdental cleaners; and, then get busy changing your oral hygiene routines. If they call out numbers 6 or above, you have a problem. At this point , there is calculus built up below the gumline and trapping bacteria in your gums. You need this removed so that your gums can begin to heal . Dr Johnson usually prescribes a prescription anti inflammatory mouth rinse to use as part of a vigorous oral hygiene regime.
If the numbers are about about 7 or 8 , you may already be in danger of losing your teeth due to bone loss.
So, you see, regular visits to the dentist really is important. Some people seem to genetically programmed to build up plaque and calculus and require cleanings 3-4 times per year. Some can get by with 2 times per year. The important thing is to find out what your numbers are!
Call us today to make your cleaning appointment.
Brian Johnson DMD
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
(770)993-9809
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