The Importance of Perio Maintenance in Preventing Gum Disease

When it comes to oral health, preventing gum disease is just as crucial as keeping your teeth cavity-free. Periodontal maintenance, or "perio maintenance," is a proactive approach that supports long-term gum health, especially for individuals who have experienced signs of gum disease in the past.

At Urban Smiles in Mountain View, Dr. Ethel Rios and her friendly team provide advanced, personalized dental care designed to keep both your smile and your gums healthy, offering a gentle yet effective experience that feels more like a spa visit than a dental appointment.

What Is Periodontal Maintenance?

Periodontal maintenance is a specialized type of dental cleaning that goes beyond the standard routine checkup. It’s recommended for patients who have been diagnosed with periodontal (gum) disease or have undergone scaling and root planing treatment. Unlike regular cleanings that focus on the surfaces of your teeth, perio maintenance cleans deeper, removing plaque, tartar, and bacteria from below the gumline where damage often begins.

Each visit is part preventative, part therapeutic, and entirely tailored to your condition. With the use of advanced tools like digital scanners and precise imaging offered by Dr. Rios at Urban Smiles, we’re able to monitor changes in your gum health and intervene early if any issues arise. Key elements include:

• Thorough cleaning of pockets between teeth and gums
• Evaluation of gum pocket depth and tissue condition
• Digital X-rays, when needed, to detect bone loss or hidden infection
• Preventive education on home care and lifestyle support

Why Perio Maintenance Matters in Preventing Gum Disease

Gum disease is a progressive condition that often begins silently. Without maintenance, it can lead to serious complications like bone loss, tooth loss, and systemic health issues such as heart disease or diabetes exacerbation. 

Along with any other necessary periodontal treatments like deep cleanings (scaling and root planing), periodontal maintenance helps stop the disease from progressing. It can even reverse gingivitis when caught early enough. Some reasons why ongoing perio care is essential include:

• Regular removal of plaque and tartar that fuel inflammation
• Ongoing monitoring of gum health to catch recurrence quickly
• Reduced risk of advanced periodontitis and costly procedures
• Support for systemic health by reducing oral bacteria load

Urban Smiles proudly integrates the latest dental technology and digital diagnostics into these visits. This ensures accurate evaluations and minimally invasive treatment options, all in a soothing environment that’s anything but clinical.

Who Needs Periodontal Maintenance?

If you’ve been treated for periodontal disease, you’re likely a candidate for ongoing maintenance. However, even patients who are genetically predisposed to gum issues or have risk factors like smoking, diabetes, or dry mouth may benefit from a more customized hygiene schedule.

At Urban Smiles, Dr. Ethel Rios takes the time to understand your oral and overall health profile to recommend a care plan that supports your unique needs. Candidates for perio maintenance often include:

• Patients with a history of gum treatments or surgery
• Those with bleeding gums, gum recession, or chronic inflammation
• Individuals with systemic conditions linked to oral health
• Anyone looking to preserve their oral health with tailored care

How Often Should You Schedule Perio Maintenance?

The frequency of perio maintenance visits depends on the severity of your condition and your individual risk factors. Unlike standard cleanings every six months, periodontal maintenance is typically scheduled every 3 to 4 months to ensure your gums remain healthy and stable.

Dr. Rios and the team at Urban Smiles make these visits comfortable and stress-free, with amenities that promote relaxation and a membership plan that makes high-quality dentistry affordable. With transparent pricing and plans starting at just $42/month that include periodontal care, you can protect your gum health without financial surprises.

Protect Your Smile with Perio Maintenance in Mountain View

Keeping your gums healthy is a vital part of maintaining your overall oral health, and your beautiful smile. Whether you’ve already had treatment for gum disease or are at risk for developing it, consistent perio maintenance at Urban Smiles can make all the difference. Call (650) 386-1335 to schedule your personalized consultation with Dr. Ethel Rios in Mountain View and experience a dental visit that’s both effective and comfort-centered.