Every year, millions of people develop gum disease. While this is a common dental issue, most patients believe that it can’t happen to them. Yet, the percentage of patients with gum disease increases to nearly 1 in 3 by age 65. At Dazzling Dentistry, we provide periodontal disease treatment in Chicago and Arlington Heights, IL.
Gum disease affects the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. Without treatment, gum disease can move to a more serious stage known as periodontal disease. With preventative care, you can take the first step towards a healthier smile. In advanced cases, restorative dentistry can help repair the damage caused by gum disease and restore your oral health. We will work together to make sure your smile shines brightly for years to come.
How Does Gum Disease Start?
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is the #1 cause of tooth loss in the United States, yet it is still commonly underdiagnosed. It is mainly caused by poor dental health and inadequate professional cleanings. Periodontal disease is a highly destructive bacterial infection that is usually asymptomatic and painless, like most diseases.
Gum disease often begins with plaque buildup. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. When you don’t remove plaque daily, it can harden into tartar. As a result, it can lead to inflammation of the gums known as gingivitis.
If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis. This is a more severe form of gum disease. Periodontitis occurs when inflammation spreads to the supporting structures of the teeth, including the bone. This stage can cause gum recession, tooth mobility, and even tooth loss.
Signs of Gum Disease
Common symptoms of gum disease include:
- Bleeding Gums: One of the early signs of gum disease is bleeding gums when you brush and floss your teeth.
- Swollen Gums: Inflammation causes the gums to appear red and swollen.
- Persistent Bad Breath: Bacterial activity in the mouth can contribute to chronic bad breath.
- Receding Gums: Over time, your gums can pull away from the teeth to create deep gum pockets.
- Tooth Sensitivity: Receding gums can expose tooth roots. As a result, this can lead to increased sensitivity.
- Changes in Tooth Alignment: Tooth mobility and shifting may occur as the supporting bone is compromised.
Gum disease begins as gingivitis or gum inflammation. In this early stage, you can continue to brush and floss every day to help remove harmful bacteria from your mouth. We will also recommend that you visit our office for a routine cleaning.
If gingivitis becomes periodontitis, we recommend more intensive treatment. As gum disease progresses, your gums begin to recede, and it can even lead to tooth loss.
Periodontal Disease Treatment in Chicago, IL
At Dazzling Dentistry, we strongly emphasize the prevention, treatment, and control of gum disease. We look beyond just teeth, we believe that healthy gums, bone, and periodontal structures are the foundation of a healthy smile. After all, these structures hold our teeth in place.
At every cleaning visit, our skilled hygienists carefully check your gums and teeth for signs of gum disease. We look at your gum attachment, bone levels, bleeding, tooth movement, and overall oral health. We also review your X-rays to catch any problems early and prevent tooth loss.
If you have active gum disease, we may recommend Scaling and Root Planing (SRP), also called a deep cleaning. This treatment removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria from above and below the gums. It usually takes two visits, about two hours each, with a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable.
We use both hand tools and power scalers for the best results. The goal of SRP is to shrink deep pockets and help your gums reattach to your teeth, making the disease easier to manage.
While gum disease cannot be fully cured, harmful bacteria return every three months. That’s why we recommend periodontal maintenance therapy every 90 days is key to keeping it under control. Our hygienists will create a yearly care plan to help you manage gum disease and protect your oral health.
How to Prevent Gum Disease
Keeping your gums healthy is the best way to prevent gum disease. Here are some simple steps to protect your smile:
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Brush and Floss Daily: Brushing and flossing are your first lines of defense against gum disease. Brush your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Be sure to brush along the gumline where plaque tends to build up. Floss once a day to remove food and bacteria from between your teeth, where your toothbrush can’t reach. You can also add antibacterial mouthwash to wash away bacteria and reduce plaque.
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Visit the Dentist Regularly: Even with great at-home care, some plaque and tartar can still build up over time. Regular dental cleanings every six months allow your dentist and hygienist to remove hardened plaque (tartar) that can lead to gum disease. They will also check your gums for early signs of infection and recommend treatment if needed.
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Eat a Healthy Diet: What you eat affects your oral health. Sugary and starchy foods feed harmful bacteria in your mouth, increasing your risk of gum disease. Instead, focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Drinking plenty of water also helps wash away food particles and bacteria, keeping your mouth clean between meals.
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Quit Smoking and Avoid Tobacco: Smoking and using tobacco products weaken your gums and make it harder for them to fight infections. Tobacco use also slows healing and increases your risk of severe gum disease. If you smoke, quitting can greatly reduce your risk and improve your overall oral health. Your dentist can offer resources to help you stop.
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Manage Health Conditions: Certain health conditions, like diabetes and heart disease, can increase your risk of gum disease. High blood sugar levels in diabetics, for example, can lead to more bacterial growth in the mouth. Keeping these conditions under control with proper medication, diet, and exercise can help protect your gums and overall health.
Treat Gum Disease
Get periodontal disease treatment in Chicago and Arlington Heights, IL, at Dazzling Dentistry. Call our office today at (872) 276-8546. You can also schedule an appointment with us online.
Let us know if you have questions for our office. We’re here to help.