In addition, the therapy itself often reveals causes not apparent at the outset. In this manner, these materials function as a diagnostic aid. The importance of clean teeth and thorough brushing may be well accepted, but easily taken to an exptreme. For decades, organized dentistry has insisted that poor oral hygiene is the main cause of periodontal disease. Patients understand that clean teeth are critical, but we are often presented with patients who have done their homework for years while under the care of a good dentist, and yet, suffer from nagging, unmitigated pain, sensitive teeth, sore gums, deep pockets , and costly dental problems that never seem to go away.
Patient frustration is obvious.
Our patients are relieved to know that they can continue their good oral hygiene habits, set aside that area of concern, and look for other causes . Let's talk about other causes. The teeth have a lot of work to do, and so there should be 28 to 32 teeth, in the right places, to do that work. Yes, I know. If the the teeth are missing, like those two front teeth, the mouth and face don't look right.