Is all dental floss created equal?

If you’re uncertain about which type of floss is best for you or a member of your family, ask your dentist or dental hygienist for advice. Here are some points that might be helpful:

Large gaps between your teeth? Try woven floss or Super Floss. We like Listerine Gentle gum care woven floss.https://www.listerine.com/toothpaste…/listerine-gentle-floss

Not much space between your teeth? You may find that a waxed floss, dental tape, or a thinner string floss such as POH is easier to slide into those tight spaces. POH even comes in black floss if you are excited to see how much plaque you are removing!http://www.buypoh.com/percept630blackfloss.html

We also like shred resistant Listerine Ultraclean floss (formerly Reach brand) since it gets into these tighter spaces but still has microgroove and a toothpaste coating to help remove stubborn plaque!https://www.listerine.com/toothp…/listerine-ultraclean-floss

Braces, bridges or implants? A spongy floss is a good option, but any floss can be used if you wear dental appliances, especially if you have a floss threader. We like Proxysoft (formerly Thornton's) Bridge and Implant Threaders for our bridge, implant and even in problem gum areas where extra TLC is needed.
http://www.proxysoft.com/products.html

When it comes to dental floss, flossing every day is the most important choice you can make!

If you have any questions about which type of floss may be most effective for you, contact our dental hygiene department at healthysmiles@brittenperio.com or call 7275862681. ‪#‎brittenperio‬‪#‎clearwaterperiodontist‬

What is LANAP Laser Surgical Gum Therapy?

Our office offers a minimally-invasive periodontal surgery procedure called the LANAP protocol.Gum disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that destroys the tissue and bone around the teeth.  If left untreated, the disease can lead to receding gums, loss of bone, and ultimately tooth loss. The LANAP protocol is the only laser periodontitis treatment that is cleared by the U.S. FDA and is clinically and histologically proven to regenerate new gum, tissue, ligament and bone

Who is a candidate for LANAP laser surgery?

Patients with moderate-to-severe gum disease can especially benefit from the LANAP protocol.  The LANAP protocol is also an excellent treatment option for patients who are fearful of conventional scalpel surgery and patients taking certain medications, such as blood thinners.  It is important to state however, that not every patient is a candidate for laser surgery, it all depends on the individual.  Dr. Britten will thoroughly explore all options to help you keep your teeth and gums healthy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ts_s044_R-Q

Dr. Todd Britten has received intensive training in the LANAP protocol by the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry.  The LANAP protocol is the only laser periodontitis treatment scientifically and clinically proven to regenerate soft tissue and bone.  The surgery is performed here in our practice with the only laser specifically designed for the LANAP protocol -- the PerioLase MVP-7.

For more information regarding LANAP Laser Gum Treatment offered by Dr. Todd Britten, contact our office at 727-586-2681 or visit our website at www.brittenperio.com.

Clearwater Periodontist Dr. Todd Britten: The Periodontal Exam

DO YOU RECALL HEARING NUMBERS – like 3, 2, 2, 4 – being said aloud during your dental cleanings or dental exams?

These numbers are your periodontal pocket depth measurements and they are very important in determining the condition of your gum health.

Your gum tissue does not attach directly to your teeth. There is a space or pocket between the gum and the tooth before it attaches. The pocket gets deeper when bacteria or gum disease is present. To monitor and evaluate gum health, the pocket depth is measured, recorded, and monitored over time.

In a healthy mouth, a pocket can be generally from 1-3 millimeters deep.

To measure a pocket, your dental hygienists or dentist uses a periodontal probe. The probe allows them to measure in millimeters from the top of the pocket to the bottom of the pocket. The bottom of the pocket is where the tissue is connected through ligaments to the root. This measurement is taken very gently and causes no damage to the gum tissue.

When a tooth has signs of gum disease, the tissue begins to detach. Under 3 mm deep a pocket is considered healthy, while 4mm or deeper is generally considered unhealthy. The bacteria and infection causing the detachment needs to be addressed.

At your next dental hygiene visit, make sure to find out any problem areas found during your periodontal exam and how to treat it.

It is important to catch gum disease as early as possible. Regular dental checkups are vital, as is an awareness of the warning signs of gum disease. If gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, serious problems including tooth loss can occur.

For more information, please contact our office at 727-586-2681 or visit our website at www.brittenperio.com

Periodontal Disease

"If you have been told you have periodontal (gum) disease, you’re not alone. Many adults in the U.S. currently have some form of the disease.
Periodontal diseases range from simple gum inflammation to serious disease that results in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. In the worst cases, teeth are lost.
Whether your gum disease is stopped, slowed, or gets worse depends a great deal on how well you care for your teeth and gums" -National Institute of Health

For help with treating your gum disease or for more information on gum health, visit us at www.brittenperio.com or contact us at 727-586-2681.