Our Dental Blog

Caring for your smile each day does more than just safeguard your teeth against cavities and infection. You also help prevent the onset of serious periodontal health issues, like gingivitis or even gum disease! In today’s blog, your Kansas City, MO, dentist explains what you can do to keep your smile healthy, whole, and beautiful.

The Causes of Gum Inflammation

Gum inflammation could develop for a number of different reasons, such as the use of certain medications, inflammatory illnesses, cigarettes and tobacco use, or a family history of periodontal problems. However, the most common cause is plaque buildup due to poor oral hygiene. When bacteria break down food particles, this creates a layer of plaque coating the teeth. Over time, this layer of buildup irritates the gum tissues and causes inflammation. People may experience soreness, redness, or bleeding, and as the tissues pull away from the teeth and form pockets, the gum disease can develop.

The Dangers of Periodontal Disease

While gingivitis can be reversed, gum disease cannot. Treatment to manage the disease is crucial, otherwise an advanced stage, such as periodontitis could develop. Periodontitis actually severs the tissues connecting the teeth and gums, leading to adult tooth loss. However! With routine care from home, you can help limit the severity of plaque buildup and reduce the risk of periodontal disease in the process. These same steps also help protect your smile from tooth decay.

Prevention From Home

Start each day by brushing your teeth for about two minutes, and be sure you use a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Before bed, do this again. Even more important, floss up and down each side of every tooth, dipping below the gum line to remove trapped food particles. These steps remove food from on and between your teeth, preventing bacteria from breaking them down and coating the teeth in plaque and tartar. We also suggest avoiding tobacco products, and eating healthy foods, as foods and drinks high in sugar and starch feed harmful bacteria and lead to plaque and tartar. If you have any questions about protecting your periodontal health from home, then please contact our team today. If you encounter a dental emergency, such as a damaged tooth or aching one, then let us know, as we can still offer emergency treatment for our patients.

Do You Have Questions About Periodontal Health?

Our team wants to make sure you continue to enjoy a whole and healthy smile by ensuring good periodontal health. Often, simply brushing and flossing can help safeguard your smile! To learn more about keeping your gums healthy and free of disease, then schedule a consultation by calling Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Kansas City, MO, today at 816-427-4018.