Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. At Kingston Dental Care in St. Louis, comprehensive gum care is a core part of how we protect your oral health, preserve your natural teeth, and support your overall wellness.
Gum disease is common, often silent in its early stages, and one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. With regular evaluation, preventive care, and timely treatment, it is also highly manageable.
Our dental team provides complete periodontal care for patients throughout St. Louis. Whether you are visiting us for a routine exam or seeking treatment for gum disease, we focus on early detection, personalized care, and long-term gum health.
Gum care refers to the evaluation, prevention, and treatment of conditions affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. This includes identifying early signs of gum inflammation, monitoring periodontal pocket depth, removing harmful plaque and tartar, and treating gum disease at any stage.
Unlike tooth decay, gum disease often develops without pain or obvious symptoms. Many patients feel fine while damage is already occurring beneath the gum line. A comprehensive approach ensures that problems are detected early and addressed before they lead to bone loss, loose teeth, or the need for more complex procedures.
Gums serve as a protective seal around your teeth, shielding the underlying bone and connective tissues from bacteria. When gums are healthy, they fit snugly around each tooth and help keep harmful microorganisms out of the bloodstream.
When plaque accumulates along the gum line and is not properly removed, it triggers inflammation. Over time, this inflammation can weaken the attachment between the gums and teeth, allowing bacteria to move deeper below the surface. Left untreated, this process can result in permanent bone loss and tooth loss.
Gum disease has also been linked to broader health concerns, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes complications, and chronic inflammation. Maintaining healthy gums is an important part of protecting both your oral and overall health.
Gum disease does not always cause pain, especially in its early stages. Common warning signs include bleeding during brushing or flossing, red or swollen gums, persistent bad breath, tenderness along the gum line, gum recession, teeth that appear longer, discomfort when chewing, or loose teeth.
Any of these symptoms should be evaluated promptly. Early treatment is more conservative, more comfortable, and more effective than treatment at advanced stages.
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. It is characterized by inflammation, redness, and bleeding but does not yet involve bone loss. Gingivitis is often reversible with improved oral hygiene and professional dental cleanings.
When gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis. At this stage, the gums begin to separate from the teeth, forming pockets that trap bacteria and debris. These pockets deepen over time, increasing the risk of bone loss and infection.
Advanced periodontitis involves significant destruction of the supporting bone and connective tissue. Teeth may become loose, shift position, or require extraction. Treatment at this stage is more complex and focuses on controlling infection and preserving remaining structures whenever possible.
A comprehensive gum evaluation is an essential part of your dental visit at Kingston Dental Care. During this evaluation, we assess multiple aspects of periodontal health to create a complete picture of your gum condition.
We measure the depth of the spaces between your teeth and gums to determine whether periodontal pockets are present. Healthy gums typically have shallow measurements, while deeper pockets may indicate gum disease.
We also examine the color, firmness, and contour of your gums, check for plaque and tartar buildup above and below the gum line, and review digital imaging to assess bone support. Your medical history, medications, and lifestyle factors are considered as part of your risk assessment.
This detailed evaluation allows us to detect gum disease early and recommend the most appropriate level of care.
Prevention is the most effective approach to gum health. Routine dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar that cannot be eliminated with brushing and flossing alone. These visits also allow us to monitor changes in your gum health over time.
Most patients with healthy gums benefit from professional cleanings every six months. Patients with a history of gum disease or increased risk factors may require more frequent visits to maintain stability and prevent recurrence.
Preventive care reduces the likelihood of advanced treatment, protects your teeth, and supports long-term oral health.
For patients who have been treated for gum disease, periodontal maintenance appointments play a critical role in long-term success. These visits are typically scheduled every three to four months and focus on controlling bacteria below the gum line.
Periodontal maintenance includes thorough cleaning of areas around the teeth and gums, monitoring pocket depth, and evaluating tissue health. This ongoing care helps prevent disease progression and supports healing after treatment.
When gum disease is diagnosed, treatment is tailored to the severity of the condition and your individual needs.
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure used to treat mild to moderate periodontitis. It involves removing plaque and tartar from below the gum line and smoothing the root surfaces to promote healing and reattachment of the gums.
In some cases, additional therapies may be used to control bacterial infection. These treatments help reduce inflammation and support healing when used alongside deep cleanings.
For advanced gum disease, additional procedures may be necessary to reduce deep pockets, remove infected tissue, and encourage regeneration. These treatments are carefully planned to restore gum health while preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible.
Our focus is always on providing effective care in a comfortable, patient-centered environment.
Daily oral hygiene plays a vital role in maintaining gum health between dental visits. Brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush helps remove plaque from the tooth surfaces and gum line. Flossing daily cleans between teeth where brushes cannot reach.
Using proper technique, replacing your toothbrush regularly, and following personalized recommendations from your dental team all contribute to healthier gums and better long-term outcomes.
Comprehensive gum care is important for all adults, but it is especially beneficial for patients who smoke, have diabetes, have a family history of gum disease, experience frequent bleeding gums, or have had previous periodontal treatment.
Even patients without symptoms can benefit from regular evaluations, as gum disease often progresses silently.
Patients choose Kingston Dental Care because we take a proactive, thorough approach to periodontal health. We focus on early detection, patient education, and individualized treatment planning to help you maintain a healthy smile for life.
Our St. Louis dental team combines experience, advanced diagnostic tools, and a compassionate approach to care. We take the time to explain your condition and treatment options so you can make informed decisions about your oral health.
Healthy gums are essential to protecting your teeth, your comfort, and your overall health. If you have noticed signs of gum disease or it has been some time since your last periodontal evaluation, now is the right time to schedule a visit.
Contact Kingston Dental Care in St. Louis to schedule your comprehensive gum care appointment and take an important step toward a healthier mouth.
Dr. Logan Smith, D.D.S, is now a part of the Kingston team. Learn more about his background and education here.
We look forward to meeting you. Call (314) 487-0052 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.
