Laser Bacterial Reduction Therapy (LBR) available at Pacifica Dental

Laser Bacterial Reduction Therapy (LBR) available at Pacifica Dental

We know how important comfort and time are for our patients and that’s why here at Pacifica Dental, we consistently invest in state-of-the-art technology that helps us achieve better and faster results. A recent example is Laser Bacterial Reduction Therapy (LBR), a therapy that eliminates harmful bacteria in the oral cavity in less than a minute.

You often hear us talking about bacteria in the oral cavity because it represents a threat not only for our oral health but also for the rest of our body. It can lead to problems such as tooth decay and gingivitis, heart attack, diabetes and dementia.

Plaque is formed when residue from food and drink remains on the teeth. Bacteria that live in the mouth are fed by this residue, producing acids as a result. In time, these acids destroy tooth enamel, resulting in tooth decay. Plaque can also develop on the tooth roots under the gum and cause the bone supporting the teeth to breakdown.

With manual cleaning we only eliminate part of that bacteria. Luckily, technology comes once again to our rescue 😊 With Laser Bacterial Reduction Therapy, we can target up to 88% of the bad bacteria in your mouth. LBR is completely painless and it takes less than a minute. It reduces the risk of gum disease resurgence. Even better, there are no side effects and the results can last up to six months.

Laser Bacterial Reduction Therapy main benefits:

  • Improved oral health
  • Stronger resistance to infection and gum disease
  • Immune system boost
  • Increased protection from other inflammation-based diseases throughout the body
  • Lower risk of cross-contamination between healthy and diseased teeth and gums

At Pacifica Dental, our patients can benefit from the advantages of laser therapy during professional cleaning sessions. We recommend it especially to patients that suffer from gingivitis (gum disease) and periodontal disease. The procedure is safe and gentle on the teeth and gums, with no pain or discomfort.

How does LBR work?

The laser used for Laser Bacterial Reduction Therapy is a non-cutting laser, which means it emits a light that won’t cut through soft or hard tissue. LBR only targets harmful bacteria and diseased tissue, protecting healthy bacteria, teeth, and gums. In this way it helps to maintain a healthy environment in the oral cavity.

LBR therapy can benefit everyone, and we recognize that every patient is unique and has specific needs. That’s why we personalize every treatment to meet each patient’s situation.

We’re waiting for you to try Laser Bacterial Reduction Therapy during your next appointment at Pacifica Dental.

Myths about dental care

Myths about dental care

There are many dental myths, deeply rooted in our culture and frequently repeated, which can endanger our oral health, and hinder us from obtaining proper dental care. Let’s look at the most popular myths:

“My parents have periodontitis so I will inherit this disease too”

Periodontitis is not a condition commonly inherited from parents. Statistically, only 8% of the population has any genetic predisposition to the disease. The main cause of periodontitis is incorrect dental hygiene or dental crowding. People who use the wrong brushing technique, who forget to floss or who do not address their dental crowding are the most susceptible.

The small percentage of patients at risk because of genetics may delay the onset of the disease and even slow its progression through regular dental check-ups and with proper care. The treatment of crowded dentition and the correction of the occlusion (bite) with the help of orthodontics can also aid in prevention.

“Scaling makes my gums and teeth more sensitive”

Some people avoid scaling because they believe it results in tooth sensitivity or scratches the enamel. Scaling, often using ultrasound, focuses on dislocating tartar deposits and does not affect the tooth enamel. It is possible that sensitivity may occur during scaling, but this only happens when the hygienist removes harmful tartar below the level of the gum. The sensitivity is temporary, lasting a couple of days at most, and can be reduced and often removed completely by applying anesthetic spray. Tartar build-up over long periods of time can cause gingival retraction, root discoloration, and consequently periodontitis. So, in reality, it is the avoidance of periodic scaling that is the cause of dental sensitivity, not the treatment itself.

“I don’t brush my teeth where my gums bleed”

Many people avoid using the toothbrush in areas where the gums bleed, unaware that the bleeding is caused by food debris and plaque in the area. This creates a chain of circumstances: we avoid cleaning the area because it bleeds, which in turn causes the gums to bleed even more because we do not brush. It is recommended to continue brushing and flossing exactly where the gums bleed. If the bleeding does not go away in spite of proper hygiene, dental check-ups are necessary to detect and rule out other causes, including gingivitis, areas that retain food debris, and dental plaque, which are irritating to the gums.

“It is more important to brush my teeth in the morning than in the evening”

Although it may be more convenient to believe the opposite, the most important brushing is in the evening, because the bacteria grow best in heat, darkness and humidity. If, in addition to these conditions in the mouth, the bacteria feed all night with leftover food between the teeth, they will multiply excessively, break down the food into acids and release toxins harmful to the teeth and gums. Thus, the risk of caries, gingivitis and periodontitis increases greatly.

“A toothpick is useful for cleaning teeth”

Although it is a common technique for cleaning teeth, the use of toothpicks is extremely harmful no matter how gently they are used. A toothpick can scratch the gums and even cause the gum to detach from the tooth. If toothpicks are used frequently, over time the gums will start to recede, without ever being able to grow back. In some cases, the toothpick pushes some of the food left between the teeth even deeper under the gums. Flossing is much more efficient, less harmful and recommended daily before bed. Handled carefully, flossing will not injure the gums and will reduce the risk of caries and periodontitis.

Although the internet is a useful source of information in some cases, and friends or family members wish us well, when we believe unverified information about oral care, we risk doing more harm than good. Don’t forget that regular visits to the dentist, professional hygiene services and personalized treatment can prevent most oral diseases.

We’re waiting for you in our office 😊