Don’t Let Gum Disease Put Your Smile at Risk

Gum disease can start out slow. In fact, you may not even notice any symptoms at the beginning. As early-stage gum disease, called gingivitis, takes hold, your gums may start to look red and puffy. You might also see some blood when you brush, floss, and/or rinse. These symptoms may not be particularly bothersome and, as a result, may not seem like a big deal. Left unaddressed, though, gum disease can progress to significantly damage your smile and your overall health.

Fight back against gum disease with the help of Dr. Jeffrey Smith in St. Charles MO. He delivers personalized care to target gum disease and alleviate its negative effects.

Not Just a Dental Issue

As gum disease worsens, it destroys the bonds that hold teeth in place. Gum tissue deteriorates, teeth loosen, and smiles no longer look or feel the same. Loose teeth can drift out of position, throwing off your bite and stressing the jaw joints. Ultimately, teeth and jawbone tissue can be lost.

And gum disease doesn’t stop there. This chronic inflammatory condition has been linked to a variety of whole-body health problems, including dementia, heart disease, stroke, low birth weight, diabetes complications, osteoporosis, and more. The disease may start in the mouth, but it can spread throughout the body to damage health and severely impact quality of life.

Customized Treatment

At your appointment, we’ll assess the condition of your gums to determine the optimal course of treatment. Gingivitis can often be cured with a deep cleaning that removes excess plaque and tartar, thereby eliminating the damaging bacteria that cause gum disease. Proper follow-up care at home includes effective brushing and flossing to keep gums healthy.

More severe cases of gum disease can be addressed with topical antibiotic therapy. Gum surgery may be recommended for the most severe form of the disease, called periodontitis. Our top priority is your health. Dr. Smith and our team will work with you to determine which treatments are right for you.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Don’t give gum disease a chance to damage your smile. Call our St. Charles MO office today to schedule an appointment.