Gum Disease Therapy

Aching gums, pain, tooth loss, bad breath… these are just a few of the repercussions of the dental condition called periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease. At Chesterfield Valley Dental Group, our highly skilled family dentists treat all types of gum disease with personal management plans that are designed to halt progression of the condition and improve your overall dental health.

How to Spot Gum Disease

A diagnosis of gum disease indicates that there is an infection in the gum tissue caused by plaque. Bacteria that have been allowed to wreak havoc on your teeth and gum tissue can eventually form a sticky layer of damaging plaque, which causes tissue to become infected and inflamed.

Common signs of gum disease include:

• Red, swollen, or sensitive gums
• Pain or soreness in the teeth and/or gums
• Gums that bleed easily
• Pain while flossing
• Gum discoloration
• Puss on gum tissue
• Chronic bad breath
• Gum recession (when gum tissue pulls away from your teeth)
• Tooth loss
• Change in your bite

Lowering Your Risk

For some patients, genetics may be to blame for the development of gum disease. In most cases, though, good home care and regular dental visits can prevent many of the negative health consequences of gum disease.

Remember that you can limit the amount of bacteria in your mouth by making healthy choices and brushing and flossing often. Avoiding sugary sodas, frequent snacking, and nicotine are a few ways you can help keep your mouth healthy and protect against plaque build-up. Since your dental health is connected to your overall health, you want to make sure you are getting enough sleep, managing stress effectively, and eating right.

If gum disease is caught early, we can begin an effective treatment plan. Talk to Dr. Goldman or Dr. Yenzer about your risk for gum disease and what you can do to stay healthy.

To schedule an appointment or free consultation, please contact Chesterfield Valley Dental Group today. Our St. Louis dentistry practice also proudly serves O’Fallon, Wildwood, Ballwin, Ellisville, and St. Charles. We welcome new patients and will work hard to earn your loyalty.