St. Louis Dental Center Emphasizes Importance of Gum Care and Disease Detection

Gum care is fundamental to overall oral health and well-being. During every oral health exam, it's critical for dentists to evaluate the health of a patient’s gums to detect early signs of disease. Without proper care, gingivitis may progress into periodontitis, a more serious condition that may lead to tooth loss and systemic health issues, as highlighted in a review by Harvard Medical School.

“It is absolutely essential that we educate our dental students as well as our patients to understand the need for maintaining healthy gums and observing any signs of gum disease,” said Shaista Rashid, B.D.S., M.S., M.P.H., Assistant Dean and Director of the Comprehensive Care Unit at A.T. Still University Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ATSU-MOSDOH) and St. Louis Dental Center. “Every dental exam in our clinic includes periodontal probing to evaluate the health of the periodontium and detect early signs of inflammation that could lead to periodontal disease.”

At the St. Louis Dental Center, a partnership between ATSU-MOSDOH and Affinia Healthcare, high-quality and affordable dental care is provided to underserved and uninsured populations. Many patients have not had access to dental checkups for years. Once they enter the medial care system, they are encouraged to make the St. Louis Dental Center their dental home for the entire family.

“While occasional gum bleeding during brushing is common, ongoing swelling and bleeding may indicate serious gum disease,” Dr. Rashid continued. “The oral microbiome, a balanced mix of bacteria and fungi, normally protects oral tissues. However, when disrupted by poor oral hygiene, disease-causing bacteria may damage the gum tissue and trigger a systemic immune response.”

Periodontitis often begins with plaque—a sticky film that forms when oral bacteria interact with sugars and starches in food. If not removed, plaque hardens into tartar, which brushing and flossing can no longer eliminate. Only professional cleaning can remove tartar and stop the infection from progressing.

An elevated white blood cell count is a sign the infection may have spread beyond the gums. As emphasized by the Mayo Clinic, bacteria from periodontitis may enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of systemic conditions such as:

• Respiratory disease,
• Rheumatoid arthritis,
• Coronary artery disease,
• Diabetes complications and
• Preterm birth and low birth weight.

“We prioritize patients who come in with urgent care needs and present signs of gingivitis or gum inflammation,” said Isaac Coronel, D.M.D., Urgent Care Specialist at the St. Louis Dental Center. “We consider periodontitis an emergent condition that requires immediate treatment.”

Alongside treatment, the St. Louis Dental Center team views each case as an opportunity to educate patients on maintaining a healthy oral hygiene routine. This includes:

• Brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush,
• Flossing daily to remove plaque between teeth,
• Using an antibacterial mouthwash,
• Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and nutrients,
• Avoiding tobacco products and
• Scheduling regular dental checkups.

The best formula to remember for lifelong oral health is simple: healthy gums = healthy teeth = healthy smiles.

Courtesy of A.T. Still University Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health