Understanding Gum Disease: A Comprehensive Guide for Elk Grove Village Residents

Gum or periodontal disease is a severe oral health condition requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment. Without intervention from your Elk Grove Village dentist, it can affect your whole-body wellness and put you at risk for systemic health complications.

Fortunately, gum disease is preventable, and we can create a treatment protocol to mitigate risks to your health if you’ve already been diagnosed.

What Is Gum Disease?

We characterize gum disease as a series of infections and inflammation of the tooth-supporting bones and ligaments. The gums recede and pull away from teeth, creating pockets for bacteria.

In early disease (gingivitis), the infections have not penetrated the bone, and we can still reverse the disease. However, when it graduates to periodontitis, gum disease is merely treatable. However, treatment is crucial to your ongoing oral health and whole-body wellness.

Gum Disease System Checker

In the gingivitis stage, you may not notice symptoms. They can be subtle and easy to dismiss. However, gingivitis, without treatment and lifestyle changes, is progressive.

If you have gum disease, no matter the stage, you may notice some or all of the following symptoms:

• Bleeding gums, especially noticeable during brushing and flossing
• Loose, mobile, or shifting teeth
• An elongated appearance to teeth as gums recede (gum recession)
• Periodic toothaches or general gum inflammation (redness/pain)
• Bad breath that recurs even after an oral hygiene session

Remember, you may not have all the symptoms to be diagnosed with this condition, which is why regular dental checkups are vital. If you suspect gum disease in Elk Grove Village, it’s crucial to contact our dental office for an evaluation.

Know the Risk Factors

The risk factors for gum disease are many, but common threats include:

• Lack of Quality Dental Care — You should visit the dentist every six months for comprehensive checkups and professional teeth cleanings.
• Poor Oral Hygiene: You may skip brushing and flossing sessions or forgo them due to a busy lifestyle or other reasons. It’s important to brush and floss twice daily at a minimum.
• Tobacco Use — Tobacco in all forms increases your gum disease risks. It also makes gums slow to heal if you’re undergoing treatment with your dentist. Additionally, it puts you at an increased risk for cancer and lung disease. This includes vaping.
• Hormonal Changes — Hormonal changes like those seen in pregnancy can increase gum disease risks. We encourage you to continue with dental checkups and teeth cleanings during pregnancy.
• Diabetes — When poorly controlled, this condition can impact many health systems, including tooth and gum health.

Prevention Is Simple

Prevention comes down to good choices. We encourage our patients to implement an excellent oral care routine at home and visit our dental office twice yearly for checkups and cleanings. Also, consider giving up tobacco and talk to your doctor if your insulin levels are fluctuating or not well-controlled on your at-home monitor.

Complications of Untreated Gum Disease in Elk Grove Village, IL

Gum disease can impact many body systems and put you at risk for a variety of conditions and complications.

• Tooth Loss — As gums recede and teeth begin to shift, they may eventually fall out or require extraction.
• Heart and Lung Complications — We have known for some time that untreated gum disease can impact the heart and lungs.
• Pregnancy Complications — Studies now show a link between gum disease and low birth weight or premature labor.
• Newer Studies — The latest studies strongly suggest an association between rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s, diabetes complications, and untreated gum disease.

Fortunately, your dentist can help!

Gum Disease Treatment Improves the Outlook

Untreated gum disease poses substantial risks to oral and physical health, but gum disease treatment in Elk Grove Village, IL, mitigates these risks.

Gum disease treatments may include special deep cleanings (planing and scaling) in our dental office, antibiotic treatment, a prescribed at-home routine, bone grafting treatment, periodontal gum grafting treatment, and surgical intervention.

Planing and scaling involve cleaning the teeth below the gumline and reshaping the roots to better adhere to the gums. Bone grafting can help shore up the jawbone if it has deteriorated due to gum disease. A healthier jaw may make you a candidate for dental implants if you have lost teeth. Additionally, building up the jaw reduces the sunken or aged appearance that results from bone loss.

Contact Your Dentist to Learn More

Remember, gum disease symptoms can be subtle early on, so seeing the dentist regularly for checkups is vital. If you suspect gum disease or have not visited our dental office in a while, we encourage you to book an appointment today.

Ask a dental team member about our current specials and financing options!