Do you know if your gums are healthy? Gum disease is called a “silent disease” because it can develop and progress relatively unnoticed until significant dental problems begin to surface. We work with you to manage chronic gum disease concerns and offer advice on keeping your gums healthy between visits. We offer gum disease treatments and other restorative dentistry services at our dental office in Chicago, IL.
Routine dental care is essential for maintaining gum health for a lifetime. During regular dental care visits, we screen for early warning signs of gum disease. When caught early, we can often restore your oral health and halt the progression of gum disease with conservative measures. Dr. Gayed and Dr. Shaw provide dental care focused on the individual patient.
The Symptoms of Gum Disease
The early signs of gum disease can be subtle. Knowing what to look for and when to seek dental care and advice can help you avoid complex problems.
Common signs of developing gum disease or gingivitis can include:
- Bleeding gums
- Red or swollen gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Changes in the fit of the bite or tooth position
- Pockets around tooth roots
Do Bleeding Gums Always Mean Gum Disease?
Bleeding gums can be a sign of gum disease, but that’s not always the case. Sometimes, gums bleed for other reasons. If you brush with too much force or use a hard-bristled toothbrush, you might irritate your gums and cause them to bleed. Switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush and using gentle, circular motions can help.
Also, if you don’t floss regularly, your gums might bleed when you start. This is normal, and with daily flossing, the bleeding should stop within a few days as your gums get healthier.
Some medications, like blood thinners, can make your gums more likely to bleed. If you notice this happening, talk to your doctor or dentist. A lack of vitamin C or vitamin K can weaken your gums and cause bleeding. Eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables can help keep your gums strong.
If your gums bleed once in a while, try brushing and flossing gently and eating a balanced diet. But if the bleeding happens often or doesn’t go away, visit our dentist.
If your gums bleed often, feel swollen, or look red, you might have gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease. This happens when plaque builds up along the gum line, causing inflammation. If left untreated, it can turn into periodontitis, a more serious gum infection that can lead to tooth loss.
Why is Gum Health Essential?
The health and stability of the teeth depend on stable and healthy gums. Gum tissue supports and nourishes the tooth roots, helping to maintain your natural bite and your overall oral health. Gum disease can create complex problems for your smile if left untreated.
It can also affect your physical wellness, increasing the risk for other conditions related to internal inflammation. When pockets form around tooth roots and the gums are significantly compromised, harmful bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream. This can impact your immune system and lead to an inflammatory response. Poor oral health is associated with increased cardiovascular and systemic disease risk.
Conversely, existing medical conditions and diseases like diabetes can affect gum health and increase your risk of developing oral health concerns. Routine dental care visits allow us to develop a relationship with you and better understand your risk factors for dental problems like gum disease. If you have a medical condition or take a prescribed medication daily, let us know so that we can ensure there is no impact on your dental health.
Periodontal Disease Treatment in Lincoln Park, Chicago
Dr. Gayed and Dr. Shaw offer periodontal treatment options to address the stage and severity of gum disease. After evaluating the condition of your gums and discussing any symptoms you have, we will recommend the appropriate treatment.
If you have mild gum disease, a simple and conservative treatment option is adding an antibacterial rinse to your daily oral hygiene routine. This special mouthwash helps kill bacteria and keep your gums healthy.
However, if your gum disease is more advanced or you have a serious infection, we may need to perform a deeper cleaning called scaling and root planing. Scaling removes hardened plaque, or tartar, from your tooth roots and along the gum line. Root planing removes bacterial buildup on your tooth roots. These treatments ensure your tooth roots attach to your gums.
Also, by cleaning these areas, we can help your gums heal and prevent further damage to your teeth and bone.
If you have periodontitis and significant damage to gum tissue, we may coordinate care with a local specialist to resolve symptoms and restore gum health.
How to Keep Your Gums Healthy
Healthy gums are just as essential as healthy teeth. Your gums help support your teeth and protect the roots from infection. Here are some simple ways to keep your gums strong and free from disease:
- Brush and Floss Daily: Continue to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day. A good oral hygiene routine removes plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that can cause gum disease. Make sure to brush along the gum line to clean away bacteria that can build up and lead to infection.
- Use an Antibacterial Mouthwash: Adding an antibacterial mouthwash to your routine can help wash away bacteria and reduce plaque. This extra step helps keep your gums fresh and healthy. We may recommend mouthwash if you’re at risk for gum disease.
- Eat a Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins helps support your gum health. Avoid sugary snacks and drinks can prevent plaque buildup. This buildup can lead to gum disease over time.
- Visit Your Dentist Regularly: See our dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings. Cleanings can remove tartar that brushing and flossing can’t reach. We will also check for early signs of gum disease before it gets worse.
- Don’t Smoke or Use Tobacco: Smoking and using tobacco products weaken your gums and make it harder for them to heal. Tobacco also increases your risk of gum disease and tooth loss. Quitting can improve your gum health and overall well-being.
Treat Your Gums
Get periodontal disease treatment in Lincoln Park, Chicago. Call Dr. Gayed for treatment today at (773) 549-2881. You can also schedule an appointment with us online.