Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a widespread condition that can jeopardize
not only your oral health but also your overall wellness. It’s crucial to understand this disease, its
causes, symptoms, and available treatments to effectively prevent and manage it. At Stallings
Dental in St. Louis, Missouri, we’re committed to helping our patients maintain optimal oral
health, which includes comprehensive gum disease care.

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is a progressive infection of the gums and surrounding tissues that support your
teeth. It starts as gingivitis, the earliest and mildest form of the disease, and if left untreated, can
advance to periodontitis, a more severe condition that can lead to tooth loss.

Causes of Gum Disease

The main cause of gum disease is plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that continually forms on our
teeth. If plaque isn’t removed daily by brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar, further
harboring bacteria. The bacteria in plaque and tartar produce toxins that inflame and irritate the
gums, leading to gum disease.

Several factors can increase your risk of developing gum disease, including:

•  Poor oral hygiene
• Smoking or tobacco use
• Older age
• Genetic predisposition
• Certain illnesses, such as diabetes
• Certain medications
• Hormonal changes in females
• Stress and poor nutrition

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Gum disease can be sneaky, often presenting no pain or noticeable symptoms until it has
advanced. However, some signs can indicate its presence:

• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing
• Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
• Receding gums
• Loose or shifting teeth
• Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

Treatment for Gum Disease

At Stallings Dental, we offer a variety of treatments for gum disease, depending on its severity:

Professional Dental Cleaning

During a regular check-up, we’ll perform a professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar. If
we notice signs of gingivitis, this cleaning may be the only treatment you need, coupled with
improved oral hygiene at home.

Scaling and Root Planing

If your gum disease has advanced to periodontitis, we may recommend scaling and root
planing. This deep-cleaning, non-surgical procedure involves scaling (removing plaque and
tartar from above and below the gum line) and root planing (smoothing rough spots on the tooth
root) to eliminate bacteria and provide a clean surface for the gums to reattach to the teeth.

Medications

In some cases, we might use medications in conjunction with scaling and root planing. These
could include antibiotic gels, oral antibiotics, or antiseptic mouth rinses.

Surgical Treatments

For advanced cases, surgical treatments like flap surgery (to remove tartar deposits in deep
pockets) or bone and tissue grafts (to regenerate lost bone and gum tissue) may be necessary.

Conclusion

Gum disease can have serious implications for your oral and overall health, but it’s largely
preventable with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Even if gum disease has begun,
early detection and prompt treatment can stop the disease’s progression and protect your smile.

If you’re experiencing any symptoms of gum disease or have concerns about your oral health,
don’t hesitate to contact Stallings Dental. We’re committed to providing our patients with the
best possible care, and we’re equipped to manage gum disease at every stage. Let’s work
together to keep your smile healthy and beautiful.