A Guide to Healthy Gums with Periodontal Therapy
Gum disease is sneaky. It’s often not noticeable until it becomes a serious problem. When you visit Dentalogic in Oak Lawn, Illinois, we can notice early symptoms of gum infection during your regular dental exams. Still, if you spot signs on your own, you can find help from Dr. Homam Saadi. We offer gum disease treatment because we know delaying/ignoring treatment can cause several oral problems, including gum recession, wobbly teeth, and even tooth loss!
Understanding gum disease
Gum disease is a common oral problem that affects the gingival tissues and the surrounding tissues. Plaque (a mixture of food debris, saliva, and harmful bacteria) is the primary cause of gum disease. This thin, colorless film harbors harmful bacteria that produce toxins that irritate gums and cause redness, tenderness, swelling, and bleeding.
Gum disease is unforgiving when you leave it untreated. When plaque isn’t removed with brushing and flossing, it calcifies into tartar, which attracts more bacteria. Tartar buildup results in gum recession as the bacteria attacks the ligaments between the gums and teeth. As if that isn’t enough, advanced gum disease (periodontitis) causes loose teeth that eventually fall out.
Gum disease treatment
Your gums are essential for overall health. Gum health not only affects your mouth — ignoring gum disease treatment increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and other conditions.
When you suspect gum disease, the condition should be treated immediately before it causes irreversible damage. Gingivitis, the early form of gum disease, can be reversed with optimal dental hygiene and standard cleanings. However, if you have increased dental calculus in your mouth, Dr. Saadi recommends deep teeth cleaning to overcome gum infection.
Deep teeth cleaning is a double-barreled treatment that uses scaling to dislodge built-in tartar from above and beneath the gum line. Next, the dentist polishes your tooth roots to discourage future bacterial invasions. Root planing also promotes healing by encouraging gums to reattach to the teeth. We complement deep teeth cleaning with antibiotic therapy for severe gum infections to prevent re-infection.
Gum disease prevention
The best way to keep your gums healthy is through preventive dental care. Observe the tips below to keep your gums infection-free.
- Brush twice daily
- Floss every day
- Avoid tobacco use/smoking
- Visit a dentist every six months
- Eat a dental-friendly diet
- Manage immune-suppressing diseases like diabetes
Don’t let gum disease rob your smile of its vibrance. Instead, call (331) 233 - 1001 to schedule an appointment with Dentalogic for effective periodontal treatment.
