Our Dental Blog

When you have sore, red, or bleeding gums, this could mean gingivitis or the early stages of gum disease. Without treatment, this could mean a greater risk of worsening pain or tooth loss. In today’s blog, your Kansas City, MO, dentist talks about protecting your smile with periodontal treatment.

The Warning Signs and Causes of Dangers

Your smile could be at risk when you begin to experience changes, such as redness, soreness, or bleeding when you brush and floss. These are indicators of inflammation, meaning you have gingivitis or possibly the early stages of gum disease. Inflammation could be caused by plaque buildup, a complication that develops when you don’t brush and floss properly and eat a diet high in sugar or starch. Factors behind inflammation also include the use of tobacco products, inflammatory illnesses, the use of certain medications, or a family history of periodontal issues. Without treatment, this could lead to disease and in the later stages, known as periodontitis, the loss of your teeth!

The Deep Cleaning

A scaling and root planning could help reverse gingivitis or manage gum disease to prevent periodontitis. The process involves the dentist numbing your smile and gently removing all plaque and tartar from the roots and surfaces of the teeth with an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual tool. The process could take one visit, or up to four, depending on how severe the buildup actually is. We then polish your teeth afterward for a smoother finish and a brighter appearance. To manage the disease properly, you may need attend to routine cleaning every three to four months afterward.

Protecting Your Smile

What can be done to avoid inflammation and disease? Well, start by brushing and flossing your teeth daily, which removes food particles before harmful bacteria can consume them, a process that causes plaque and tartar buildup. You should also cut back on sugary and starch foods and drinks, which denies harmful bacteria a meal and prevents plaque. Quit using tobacco products, and also find time to see us every six months for an exam and cleaning. These actions help protect your gums, but also fights bad breath, stained teeth, and tooth decay. If you have any questions about safeguarding your smile and managing gum disease to avoid tooth loss, then contact our team today to learn more. We want to help you maintain full and beautiful smile.

Talk to Your Kansas City, MO Dentist About Periodontal Care

Our team wants to help protect your smile from tooth loss and other major complications. With a preventive approach, you can avoid discomfort. If you would like to learn more about how we protect smiles from the dangers of gum disease, contact your Kansas City, MO, dentist, Dr. Lucaci, by calling 816-427-4018.