Gum Disease Treatment
Diagnose. Treatment. Maintain.
The word periodontal means “around the tooth”. Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, attacks the gums and the bone that support the teeth. Gum disease can be started by plaque, a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva. If plaque is not removed from the teeth, it turns into calculus (tartar). When plaque and calculus are not removed, they begin to destroy the gums and bone. Periodontal disease is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums.
Four out of five people have periodontal disease and don’t know it! Most people are not aware of it because gum disease is usually painless in the early stages. Not only is it the number one reason for tooth loss, research suggests that there may be a link between periodontal disease and other diseases such as stroke, bacterial pneumonia, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and increased risk during pregnancy. Researchers are determining if inflammation and bacteria associated with periodontal disease affects these systemic diseases and conditions. Smoking also increases the risk of gum disease. Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits can help reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease.
Signs and Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
- Bleeding gums – Gums should never bleed, even when you brush vigorously or use dental floss.
- Loose teeth – Also caused by bone loss or weakened periodontal fibers (fibers that support the tooth to the bone).
- New spacing between teeth – Caused by bone loss.
- Persistent bad breath – Caused by bacteria in the mouth.
- Pus around the teeth and gums – Sign that there is an infection present.
- Receding gums – Loss of gum around a tooth.
- Red and puffy gums – Gums should never be red or swollen.
- Tenderness or Discomfort
If it has been a while since you have seen a dentist or if you suspect you may have gum disease, contact Elgin dentist Dr. David Rice today. While gum disease may not be painful or obvious in its early stages, it can lead to very serious problems for your dental health and overall health. We help patients in the Bartlett, South Elgin, St. Charles and Elgin areas live free of gum disease.
