Gum Disease Treatment in Deerfield, IL
Periodontal disease (also known as gum disease) is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It is commonly caused by poor brushing and cleaning habits that allow plaque to build upon the tooth enamel and harden. Periodontal disease can cause severe gum inflammation, resulting in pain, bleeding gums, and even tooth loss.
Causes
We’re constantly exposed to bacteria in our mouths. Bacteria, mixed with saliva, and other particles, can continuously form a colorless plaque on your teeth. Brushing and flossing your teeth can help get rid of this plaque, but if not removed, it can harden into tartar that brushing will not address. Professional cleaning by a dental hygienist can remove tartar from your teeth.
Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors for gum disease. Smoking can affect the outcome of treatment for gum disease. Other risk factors include diabetes, medications that lessen the flow of saliva causing dry mouth (xerostomia), certain illnesses, medications, and genetic susceptibility.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of gum disease include:
- Bad breath that won’t go away.
- Red or swollen gums.
- Tender or bleeding gums.
- Pain while chewing.
- Loose teeth.
- Sensitive teeth.
- Receding gum line.
Diagnosis
When examining you for possible gum disease, a dentist or dental hygienist will:
- Examine your gums thoroughly and note any signs of inflammation.
- Measure pockets around the teeth, use a tiny ruler called a probe. The normal depth of these pockets is between 1 and 3 millimeters.
- Ask about your medical background to identify any conditions or risk factors (like smoking or diabetes) contributing to gum disease.
- Take an x-ray to determine if there is any bone loss attributable to gum disease.
Treatment
The main goal of treating an infection is to control it so it doesn’t spread. The number and type of treatments will vary, depending on how severe the gum disease is. Any treatment involves keeping up good daily care at your home. Your dentist may also recommend changing certain behaviors, like quitting smoking, as a means to improve your treatment results.
