Our Dental Blog

Gum disease doesn’t just cause discomfort, periodontal problems have also been linked to loose teeth and even adult tooth loss. In order to keep your smile healthy and strong, you should take steps to avoid the onset of periodontal disease. In today’s blog, your Kansas City, MO, dentist will discuss ways to prevent periodontal disease and strengthen your oral health.

How Does Gum Disease Form?

The disease begins when the gums become inflamed. Gum inflammation, also known as gingivitis, can lead to soreness and redness in the gingival tissue. Eventually, lack of treatment could mean the gums pull away from the teeth and form pockets at the gumline. Once bacteria enter these pockets, periodontal disease begins. While gingivitis can be reversed, gum disease cannot and regular treatment will be crucial for avoiding tooth loss and other complications. Causes of the initial inflammation could include smoking and tobacco use, family history of the disease, lack of proper oral hygiene, inflammatory illnesses, and certain medications. Warning signs include the soreness and redness we discussed above, as well as bleeding when you brush and floss, recession, and swelling.

Taking Preventive Actions

Taking preventive action before you encounter symptoms, or as soon as you notice them, could help protect your smile. First, be sure you’re brushing and flossing every day. You need to brush for two minutes when you wake and again before going to sleep. Even more vital is flossing, which should be done before bed and include every single tooth. These actions help remove food particles from on and between your teeth, which prevents bacteria from breaking them down, a process linked to plaque buildup and gum inflammation. You also need to have your teeth cleaned every six months. Brushing and flossing reduce the severity of plaque, but only a cleaning can remove the buildup and prevent inflammation. Also try to avoid cigarettes and other tobacco products, and let your dentist know as soon as you experience the first warning signs.

Scaling and Root Planing

If you develop the early stages of gum disease, or have gingivitis, we may help with a deep cleaning. A scaling and root planing involves the use of an ultrasonic scaler to remove all plaque from the surface of the teeth and the roots. The procedure helps reduce inflammation and manage the disease. The procedure may take only one visit to complete, or could require up to four, depending on the extent of your plaque buildup.

Do You Have Questions About Gum Disease?

Preventive dentistry means helping you avoid gum disease and other serious oral health concerns. To learn more about our preventive approach to dental care, then please schedule a consultation by calling Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Kansas City, MO, today at 816-427-4018.