The chronic recurrent nature of periodontal diseases demands that we establish a personal and professional maintenance program to preserve our oral health for a lifetime.

The periodontal maintenance programs at Valley Periodontics have been designed to meet the lifelong oral healthcare needs of our patients.

Congratulations! You have already taken the first step toward good oral health by pursuing active periodontal therapy.

Aging and Oral Health
As we get older, the maintenance of our oral health becomes a major factor in determining the quality of our lives. More than half of people aged fifty-five and above have periodontal disease. As we age, risk factors such as systemic disease, alterations in the immune status, medications, diminished salivary flow, functional impairments, poor home care, and lack of professional maintenance care all contribute to the development, recurrence, and severity of a patient's periodontal disease.

Many recent scientific studies indicated probable linkage between oral infection (i.e. periodontal disease) and several systemic disorders that include heart disease and stroke, complications from diabetes, immune deficiency diseases, upper respiratory tract infections, and maternal delivery of premature low-birth-weight infant.

Heart Disease and Stroke
Recent evidence suggests that the bacteria which cause periodontal disease may contribute to blood clot formation and the accumulation of fatty deposits inside the arteries of the heart.

Diabetes
There is an established relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease. If either of these conditions is uncontrolled, the other will be more difficult to stabilize and maintain. Maintenance of one's periodontal health is essential in the long-term control of diabetes.

Respiratory Disease
If you have periodontal disease you are at a greater risk for bronchitis, emphysema, and obstructive respiratory disease.

Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is the sixth leading cause of death among adult Americans. Each time you visit Valley Periodontics a complete oral cancer screening is done.

Salivary Flow
Reduced salivary flow is a common problem among older adults and makes you more susceptible to tooth decay and periodontal disease. Many medications, medical disorders, radiation therapy, etc. can lead to this problem.

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