gum disease prevention Archives - Smile Glen Ellyn Restorative Dentist
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Tag: gum disease prevention

Healthy Gums
24Jan

Sometimes, Dr. Gibbs recommends tooth scaling and root planing. These are more commonly known as deep cleaning. Tooth scaling and root planing are procedures used to treat chronic gum disease or periodontal disease. They are more in-depth than basic teeth cleaning. Sometimes they take more than a single visit depending on how severe your case of gum disease is or if you have receding gums.

When is tooth scaling needed?

Routine exams are important for maintaining good oral health. During regular exams, your Glen Ellyn dentist will examine the health of your teeth and gums. Tooth scaling may be recommended if your mouth shows signs of gum disease. Tooth scaling and root planing can help keep your mouth healthy and stop the harmful effects of periodontal disease.

What causes periodontal disease?

The bacteria in plaque cause gums to pull away from the teeth and lead to periodontal disease. The result is the development of large pockets between the gums and your teeth. These pockets harbor more bacteria which cannot be reached by basic brushing. Flossing regularly is essential for reaching spots toothbrushes cannot get to. If periodontal disease is not addressed, it can lead to other problems like:

  • Loss of bone and tissue
  • Loss of one or more teeth
  • Loose teeth
  • Tooth movement

It is estimated that more than half of the adults in the US over 30 years of age are affected by periodontal disease. Some of the causes may include:

  • Lack of proper dental hygiene
  • Smoking
  • Aging
  • Hormonal changes
  • Lack of good nutrition
  • Family history
  • Other types of medical conditions

What are the signs of gum disease?

You may be able to see the deep pockets that develop between your gums and teeth if you have chronic periodontal disease. Some of the other symptoms you might notice include:

  • Bleeding gums
  • Chronic bad breath
  • Permanent teeth that shift around
  • Changes in your bite
  • Gums that are tender, swollen, or red

How does tooth scaling work?

When a dental professional at Gibbs dentistry identifies periodontal disease or an increased risk for developing gum disease, they will recommend improvements you can make to your daily oral care routine. If the condition has progressed too far or improved oral care isn’t enough, tooth scaling will be the next step.

There are two parts to tooth scaling. First, Dr. Gibbs will remove the plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline. He will clean all the way down to the bottom of the pockets that have formed. Then, root planing will be done. This procedure smooths out the roots so your gums can easily reattach to the teeth. Depending on the severity of the case, it may take more than one visit to complete the procedures.

What happens after tooth scaling and root planing?

After your periodontal treatment, your teeth may be more sensitive for as long as a week. Usually, the pain only lasts a day or two. You may notice swollen gums and they may be more tender and bleed a little. Your Glen Ellyn dentist may prescribe a mouth rinse to help control infection following tooth scaling and root planing. In some instances, Dr. Gibbs may insert special medications into the cleaned pocket to reduce the chances of infection. You will need a follow-up visit to ensure the gums are healing properly.

When to Call a Dentist in Glen Ellyn, IL

If you are experiencing any of the signs or symptoms of periodontal disease, call your Glen Ellyn dentist. Periodontitis is an infection, and it needs professional dental treatment to improve. Many times, periodontal disease and other dental problems are discovered during routine checkups. If you notice any problems with your gums or teeth, don’t wait until it’s time for your checkup. The earlier problems are identified and diagnosed the more likely treatment will be effective. Dr. Gibbs can assess your gums and teeth and determine if tooth scaling and root planing can improve your gum health. Don’t delay, call us today!

12Jul

There is a condition that we aren’t hearing enough people talk about. We hear a lot about things going on around the world and illnesses that affect a small percentage of Glen Ellyn’s population, but we don’t hear much about gum disease, also known as periodontal disease.

Now, maybe you’re not sure why this would bother us. Sure, we’re a dental office, but this should bother you, too, because there’s a good likelihood that gum disease will affect you at some point, if it isn’t already!

A study done by the CDC found that about 50% of adults over the age of 35 are living with gum disease. The ADA has done studies that found that number to be even higher! That’s a lot of people walking around with an infection that has been linked to the major killers of our society: heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Today, we want to take a look at how gum disease relates to those concerns and what exactly can be done about it.

Discovering the Infection

Ordinarily, gum disease is discovered by the hygienist when you go in for your routine cleaning and exam. It’s not usually something that you discover on your own because the first stage is hardly noticeable! By the time you become aware of the swelling, bleeding, and tenderness of your gums, the infection has advanced into full-blown periodontal disease.

We can still treat the advanced forms of gum disease infections. There is no limit to our treatment, but there are some new effects that you are now at risk for. Let’s begin by looking at the risks for your mouth before moving on to the risks for your entire body!

Lifetime Effects on Your Mouth

We are talking about perio (around) dontal (tooth) disease. This means, quite literally, a disease that happens around the tooth. Gum disease affects your gums and the bone that supports your teeth, not the teeth themselves, but the teeth can still end up at risk. Your entire mouth can be changed from a bout of periodontal disease. Here’s what that looks like:

Teeth – The disease will attack all of the structures that support your teeth, which means that while your teeth are not being infected, they may still be lost because there is nothing left to support them.

Gums – The soft tissue of your gums will be hard-hit during a periodontal disease infection. You will see your gums swell, become tender. bleed, and recede away from your teeth as the bacteria attacks and weakens your gum tissue.

Bone – Bacteria will work deep along your teeth to the bone supporting the roots of your teeth. It doesn’t take long for that bone to become weak and unable to support your teeth. This is why gum disease is the number one cause of lost adult teeth in the USA.

Lifetime Effects on Your Body

The scary part is that gum disease doesn’t stop at your mouth. Your gums, teeth, and bone will be bothered, but the rest of your body will also deal with consequences from this infection. Research about the relationship between gum disease and overall health is ongoing, but it is all very clear: the bacteria that causes gum disease is also linked with many life-threatening illnesses like those listed below.

Cancer – Gum disease is linked with many forms of cancer. There is a frightening connection with pancreatic cancer in men, which is made even more scary by the fact that pancreatic cancer is generally caught late and difficult to treat.

Heart Disease – Gum disease bacteria travelling through your body can cause clots to form, which will ultimately lead to heart disease and possibly even a heart attack. It all begins when that gum disease infection gets in the bloodstream!

Diabetes – Diabetics are warned to take excellent care of their teeth because gum disease can make it really difficult to keep blood sugar levels under control! Once the levels are out of whack, the immune system goes down, which allows gum disease to spread.

Use Every Day to Prevent Gum Disease

The effects listed above are just a few of many, many systemic health concerns linked with gum disease. The best way to avoid these concerns is to prevent gum disease in the first place! Brush and floss routinely, and come into our office for a cleaning every six months. These simple, routine things can be enough to prevent periodontal disease and all of the things that come with it!

Learn More Today

Are you ready to learn more about gum disease and how it can affect your entire life? Contact our office today to set up an appointment or consultation. We would love to see you soon so that we can help you have a happier, healthier smile!

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