Periodontal (gum) disease is the number one cause of bone loss in the mouth. If you are experiencing gum disease, you can have chronic bacterial infections that impact your gum tissue as well as the supportive bone material underneath. Once plaque (the sticky bacterial film in the mouth) reaches beneath the gum line, it creates toxins which inflame the gums... read more »

A habit of poor oral hygiene often leads to dangerous amounts of tartar on your gum line, which is a common cause of gum disease. This periodontal infection needs to be treated early on to reduce inflammation before it causes your gums to recede from the teeth and create harmful oral health conditions including tooth loss. If advanced gum disease... read more »

If you have ever lost a tooth, you might have more than just a gap between your teeth. If a lost tooth is not replaced, the bone in the jaw that supported the lost tooth starts to deteriorate. That’s because when you chew your food, there’s no more stimulation to the bone from the missing tooth’s chewing action. Over time,... read more »

What can you do to avoid periodontal disease and the increased risks to your health? Here are some answers for you: Step 1. At-home Care This part is simple and easy to follow. Be sure to brush your teeth at least twice each day for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush. It is optimal to brush your teeth after eating... read more »

While everyone is vulnerable to gum disease–men, women, and children–research has shown that men tend to have a higher risk of gum disease. Why? Perhaps because they are not seeing a dentist regularly or are not as consistent with good oral hygiene habits. Let’s take a closer look at periodontitis in men, women, and children. Children: As children enter puberty,... read more »

Are you suffering from periodontal disease and you’re concerned about what treatment would be like? Exact treatment would depend upon your individual diagnosis, but the possible types of treatment are explained below. Nonsurgical Treatment Generally, the first step would be scaling and root planing. During this treatment, plaque and tartar are scraped off your teeth and root surfaces and then... read more »

Your oral health largely depends on how healthy gums your gums are and whether they have been affected by gum disease. To prevent any periodontal issues, we encourage you to practice an oral hygiene every day that is effective, and this involves thoroughly brushing and flossing your teeth to remove bacteria. If you develop any gum conditions that affect your... read more »

If you know someone who has experienced significant tooth loss, there’s a good chance they had developed gum disease. This gum infection has been linked to several dental issues and can significantly affect your oral health in time. We are here to help you avoid gum disease by providing helpful tips for daily preventive oral care. The cause of gum... read more »

Your periodontist, Dr. Seth Rush, offers crown lengthening in Kansas City, Missouri, to help you improve the appearance of your “gummy smile.” In fact, this treatment can lengthen the crowns of your teeth by moving the gums. This is a very beneficial treatment if your gums tend to sit high against the teeth. To help you know more and to... read more »

Gum disease is one of the most dangerous dental issues in the world today. It is caused by a buildup of plaque on the teeth and gumline. As time passes, the plaque attacks the gums, turns to tartar, infects the smile and even deteriorates the underlying bone. There are two stages to this disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Our periodontist, Dr.... read more »