Pink gum tissue
Gums and bone firmly hug and anchor the tooth
No bleeding noted during brushing, flossing, or evaluation
Gum Disease Treatment Arlington Heights
Effective Periodontal Treatment for Healthy Smiles
Unlike the phase in your childhood when your baby teeth fall out, losing teeth in your adult years is not normal. With proper hygiene practices and the modern technology of the dental field, adult teeth can and should last an entire lifetime! Unfortunately, studies indicate that about 50% of adults in the United States between the ages of 20 and 64 have lost at least one permanent tooth. The leading cause? Gum disease.
When it comes to dental health, the tooth itself is not the only part to consider. Many people forget that the gums are just important as your pearly whites. In addition to thorough preventive care, we offer effective periodontal treatment for healthy smiles. Give Westgate Dental Care a call today to schedule your appointment and learn more.
Why Choose Westgate Dental Care for Gum Disease Treatment?
- Painless & Effective Soft Tissue Laser Therapy
- We Are an Insurance-Friendly Practice
- Modern & Technology-Driven Treatment
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What Is Gum Disease?
Simply put, gum disease is an infection and inflammation of the gum tissue. Typically, it’s caused by poor dental hygiene. When plaque and bacteria build up along the gumline, an infection can occur. This is gum disease. At first, it can be treated and even reversed quite easily. However, left to its own devices, the issue will naturally worsen and begin to cause serious and permanent damage. That’s why it’s essential to identify and treat this condition as early as possible.
Stages of Gum Disease
Gum disease progresses in stages. Depending on the severity of the infection, the treatment needed to restore your oral health will vary. Here’s a quick breakdown of the main stages of gum disease:
Healthy
No Bone Loss
Gingivitis
Red and inflamed gum tissue
Gums may feel tender and swollen
Possible bad breath
Bleeding gums during brushing, flossing, and/or evaluation
No Bone Loss
Early/Moderate
Periodontitis
Periodontitis
Gums separate from the teeth, creating spaces or pockets
Bad breath
Gums recede making teeth appear longer
Exposed root surfaces may be sensitive and at risk for decay
Bone loss evident on radiographs
Bone Loss = 2-4mm
Advanced
Periodontitis
Periodontitis
Foul odor and bad taste are constant
Teeth become mobile, and shift, changing the bite
Severe horizontal and vertical bone loss evident
Most often resulting in tooth loss
Bone Loss = >5mm
The Importance of Gum Disease Treatment
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States. However, there are even bigger issues to worry about with gum disease than the health of your smile. Gum disease causes higher risks of cardiovascular disease, strokes, uncontrolled diabetes, colorectal cancer, respiratory infections, and even Alzheimer’s. As studies continue to show this relationship between gum health and overall health, it’s more vital than ever to practice a good oral healthcare routine.
How Does Periodontal Disease Affect Your Overall Health?
How We Treat Gum Disease
Periodontal therapy (AKA gum disease treatment) is the recommended method to help restore the area of the diseased gums. There are many forms of periodontal therapy, each designed to address a specific stage or case of gum disease. The primary goal of each treatment is to clear out the infection and restore the damaged area.
Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a two-step process that we use to the earlier stages of gum disease to stop it in its tracks. In some cases, it’s known simply as a deep cleaning. First, we’ll clear all plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline to control harmful oral bacteria accumulation. This will help restore the health of your oral tissues and common symptoms like inflammation and tenderness. Then, we’ll smooth out the roots of your teeth so your gums can healthily reattach.
Laser Periodontal Therapy
Our soft tissue laser utilizes a beam of light to accurately remove any severely damaged and infected gum tissue to provide your gums with a chance to heal. It cauterizes the area and at the same time removes the tissue as well, eliminating the need for sutures, scalpels, bleeding, and a long recovery time. Plus, due to the precise nature of our soft tissue laser, this treatment is fast and comfortable.
Treating Bad Breath
When battling gum disease, you may notice that you develop bad breath. Unlike the kind that forms after eating certain foods, like garlic or onions, no amount of brushing can eliminate the bacteria that cause halitosis (chronic bad breath). With the help of our Westgate Dental Care team, though, we can implement effective strategies to remove the foul odor and help you enjoy fresher breath moving forward.
Learn More About Treating Bad Breath
At-Home Gum Care
Thankfully, gum disease can be prevented by taking the proper steps on your own time. Be sure to brush your teeth twice a day, for two minutes each session. Angle your brush at 45 degrees on your gumline to clean away as much plaque and bacteria as possible. You should also floss your teeth once a day to remove any lingering food debris from between your teeth. Lastly, for an extra level of cleaning, use a nonalcoholic mouthwash to reach places your brush and floss cannot.
Don’t Wait to Give Us a Call
Despite your best efforts, avoiding gum disease during your lifetime may be impossible. Something as simple as not brushing or flossing as regularly as you should along with missing regular dental checkups and teeth cleanings can lead to negative consequences. If you suspect gum disease is already occurring, the best step is to schedule an appointment with a professional as soon as possible.
Gum Disease FAQs
Gum disease is a serious oral health issue that could lead to long-term consequences for your smile! Here at Westgate Dental Care, we are committed to helping patients prevent and/or fight back against this potentially devastating condition. We are also enthusiastic about patient education, so you can feel free to ask us anything that is on your mind about gum disease or the treatments for it. In the meantime, you might gain some valuable insight by reviewing the FAQs listed below.
Am I at Risk for Gum Disease?
The sad truth is that everyone is at risk for gum disease! However, some groups are much more likely to develop it than others, including:
- Individuals with poor oral hygiene habits, as well as those who have medical conditions that prevent them from being able to thoroughly brush and floss their teeth.
- People who smoke and/or consume large amounts of alcohol.
- Older individuals.
- People who consume a high-sugar diet.
- Individuals with misaligned teeth (bacteria can more easily get trapped along the gumline).
- Those who are genetically predisposed to gum disease; this might be true of you if you have multiple family members with this condition.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease?
At first, gum disease can be very subtle. In its earliest stage, known as gingivitis, it might just cause your gums to look a little red and swollen. They might also bleed easily when you brush and floss. Persistent bad breath is also common.
As gum disease progresses into periodontitis, you might notice that your gums are receding or that your teeth start to feel loose. Increased dental sensitivity may also occur as gum recession exposes your tooth roots.
Can Children Get Gum Disease?
Yes, children can get gum disease. Kids who have a difficult time adapting to an oral hygiene routine, or who have disorders that affect their ability to care for their smile, are at a particularly high level of risk.
Fortunately, most cases of gum disease in kids are gingivitis, which can often be reversed via thorough oral hygiene and the support of a qualified dental team.
Is Gum Disease Contagious?
The bacteria that cause gum disease are trapped beneath the gumline, so they are unlikely to spread to other people through casual contact. However, to be on the safe side, you might choose to avoid sharing silverware and toothbrushes with other people while you are undergoing treatment (not sharing such items is a good practice even for people without gum disease). Also, keep in mind that kissing can allow the bacteria that cause gum disease to spread from person to person.
Basically, you should avoid any activities that involve the exchange of oral fluids.
