Our Dental Blog

Periodontal disease is one of the most common dental issues seen in American mouths. Over four in every ten mouths in this country suffer from the inflammation and infection of the gum tissue, and it can lead to serious harm! Our gums provide a protective barrier for the more vulnerable mechanics of the mouth. By allowing them to recede, it drastically increases the risk of infection.

So treating the development of periodontal disease is crucial, and the earlier you seek treatment, the less likely you are to see lasting damage. Prevention is possible through the use of scaling and root planing, which removes debris and bacterial growth from the base of the teeth. If you have already begun to experience significant recession, a surgical approach may be more appropriate. Today, your Kansas City, MO dentist explains how best to care for your healthy gums, and how you may be able to stop the progression of periodontal disease in its tracks!

Catch It Quick

Within dentistry, one of the best habits to keep is to be proactive with your prevention. Firstly, this means that you stick to a strict home oral health hygiene regimen. Your routine needs to include twice-daily brushing, and make sure to brush before you go to sleep. If you eat something between brushing and resting at night, those remnants of food can stay there for hours, building bacterial growth!

Many patients often ignore flossing, as well. But this can remove dangerous debris that becomes caught between the periodontal tissue and the tooth. This can lead to serious decay, as bacteria form colonies that grow and thrive. Proper routine flossing can help you to maintain strong and healthy gums, especially with a daily oral rinse.

Regular Care

Another fantastic way to keep your smile’s future looking bright is through regular checkups and cleanings. Your dentist may suggest a treatment such as scaling and root planing. This can be incredibly helpful at keeping your mouth safe, and possibly avoid surgery.

Also helpful is to be open and honest with your trained oral health professional about your periodontal concerns. Gingivitis is the initial phase in this disease, and you may notice it first through blood while brushing. Our mouths should be strong enough to withstand a thorough scrub from a soft-bristled brush. Since this may be a symptom, don’t ignore it!

Restoring Your Gumline

If the recession becomes severe, you may require a surgical approach to bring your gums back to a healthy level. Typically, this comes from a graft, which is the replacement of matter. After the removal of infected tissue, your healthy material covers the needed area. If you need more than can be gathered here, a secondary site will serve as the donor.

Usually, this procedure requires a recovery of usually around a week to ten days. Be sure to stick to the guidelines you are given. Typically, a soft diet is necessary, but you should be able to resume normal activities soon after surgery!

Renew Your Smile’s Vigor

If you struggle with your periodontal health, don’t let it wait. Contact Cosmetic And Implant Dentistry in Kansas City, MO, today and schedule an appointment to bring your gums back to a healthy level!