Gum Disease Treatment

Restore your gum health and safeguard your overall well-being

Gum disease, or periodontitis, is one of the primary causes of tooth loss in adults. But did you know that it can also impact your overall health? At River Village Dental, we offer gum disease treatment and management to help restore your oral health and safeguard your smile. Our goal is to maintain the health of your gums over the long term, helping you keep your natural teeth while enhancing your overall well-being and quality of life. Contact our Chicago practice to get started today!

What Is Gum Disease and What Are Its Causes?

Gum disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that damages the gums and bone supporting your teeth. It is usually caused by bacteria that live in plaque and tartar buildup at and below the gum line. Without daily brushing and flossing, plaque accumulates along and under the gum line, leading to inflammation. Risk factors include poor oral hygiene, family history, misaligned teeth, smoking, poor nutrition, diabetes, and hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy.

The earliest stage of gum disease is gingivitis, which is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. As the gum infection and inflammation progress, the gums start pulling away from the teeth, creating spaces known as periodontal pockets that trap food debris, plaque, and harmful bacteria. Over time, the growing infection and inflammation can cause damage to the structures that support the teeth, leading to gradual bone loss, loose teeth, and tooth loss.

What Is the Link Between Gum Disease and Your Overall Health?

Aside from your oral health, gum disease has serious medical implications. Maintaining your periodontal health can be just as important as making positive lifestyle changes like diet and exercise to improve your overall health.

The following are some of the ways studies show that gum disease can impact your health:

Cardiovascular Disease: Harmful periodontal disease-causing bacteria can enter the bloodstream, leading to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
Diabetes:Diabetes makes the gums more prone to developing gum disease, while uncontrolled gum disease can make it challenging to manage blood sugar levels.
Respiratory Problems:Bacteria from the infected gums can travel to the lungs, worsening conditions like pneumonia.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Studies suggest a connection between gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis, which are both characterized by chronic inflammation.
Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia: Harmful oral bacteria in the bloodstream can elevate the risk of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.
Pregnancy Complications:Gum disease is linked to pregnancy complications, including preterm births and low birth weights.

How Is Gum Disease Treated?

Treating gum disease typically begins with a non-surgical deep dental cleaning procedure known as scaling and root planing. We start by numbing your gums to provide you with a comfortable, stress-free experience. Next, we remove plaque and tartar below the gum line and smooth your tooth root surfaces. This makes it harder for bacteria to attach to the clean tooth surfaces and supports gum healing and reattachment.

Ongoing periodontal maintenance is essential after your gum disease treatment. We typically recommend scheduling maintenance appointments every 3-4 months for at least the first year after your deep cleaning, during which we clean your teeth, evaluate your gums, and re-intervene, as necessary, to maintain your gum health. It's also critical to maintain at-home oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing and flossing. Periodontal maintenance and care are essential to preserving your gum health and keeping your teeth intact.

Is Gum Disease Curable?

The early stage of gum disease, known as gingivitis, is characterized by gum redness, swelling, and bleeding, but there is no permanent damage to the structures supporting your teeth at this point. Professional dental cleanings and meticulous at-home oral hygiene practices can often reverse the condition, restoring your gum health.

If the gum inflammation and infection progress to a more advanced stage known as periodontitis, bone loss begins to occur, which cannot be reversed. The good news is that deep dental cleanings, periodontal maintenance, and excellent oral hygiene practices can prevent further damage to the teeth, gums, and structures supporting the teeth.