Periodontal disease is another name for gum disease. It occurs when plaque and bacteria become trapped beneath the gum line and can lead to a long list of dental health complications. It’s important to see your dentist in St. Louis as soon as possible if you believe you’re suffering from periodontal disease to prevent complications.

Watch this video to learn more about how periodontal disease starts and how it impacts your teeth. Dentists and periodontists can use many different techniques to treat periodontal disease, but it is easiest to resolve in its early stages. Make an appointment with your dentist if your gums become tender or swollen, or if they bleed easily. Without treatment, periodontal disease can cause pain, bad breath, tooth decay, and tooth loss.

Tooth loss is a common problem seen by dentists, but it’s not unavoidable. There are many things you can do to prevent tooth loss and avoid the complications and inconveniences that come with it, such as needing dentures. Seeing your dentist serving St. Louis for regular check-ups is one of the most important things you can do to protect your teeth. These tips will also help.

Start by sticking to a good oral hygiene routine every day. Brush your teeth at least twice and floss at least once daily. Talk to your dentist about using a rinse that can further protect your teeth, such as one that discourages gum disease. Avoid using your teeth to cut or tear non-food items or to open things like twist caps. Talk to your dentist if you have a chronic condition that could impact your oral health, like diabetes or hypertension, to find out if you need to have more regular cleanings. Eat a healthy diet that’s low in sugar and stop any tobacco use. Report any changes in your oral health to your dentist right away, as early treatment of dental problems is almost always easier and more effective.

Do you hesitate to show off your smile? Do you wish that your teeth were whiter or straighter or shaped differently? If so, help is available with cosmetic dentistry. There are many different procedures dentists can perform, from veneers to same day crowns, to change the look of your smile and correct the imperfections that have been bothering you. If you want a smile makeover, schedule an appointment with your dentist serving St. Louis . Here’s a look at some of the procedures he or she may suggest.

Veneers

Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain or plastic that are bonded to your teeth surfaces to change how they look. Veneers can be used to correct many complaints about your teeth, including size, shape, spacing, chips, and severe discoloration. To attach veneers, your dentist will etch the surfaces of the teeth being treated and cement the veneers in place for long-lasting results. Getting veneers involves little to no discomfort, and many people have the procedure without anesthesia.

Crowns

If you have a large cavity in a tooth, your dentist will need to remove a substantial portion of the tooth to extract the decay. When that happens, you may be left with a tooth that is severely misshapen and smaller than the rest of your teeth. Crowns can help resolve this problem. A crown is a porcelain cap that is placed over the tooth to restore its appearance. Crowns can be made to match the shape and color of your healthy teeth so that the results are completely natural. While this procedure used to be time-consuming and required multiple dentist visits, same day crowns are now available.

Whitening

Thanks to coffee, tea, berries, red wine, and other staining foods and drinks, tooth discoloration is a common complaint. Whitening can strip the stains from the surfaces of your teeth so you can enjoy a bright, white smile again. Teeth whitening can be performed in-office or at home with dramatic results. Be sure to follow your dentist’s recommendations after whitening to avoid re-staining your teeth.