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Signs of Gum Disease from A Periodontist in River North
Posted on January 21st, 2022
Gum Disease – Symptoms, Causes, and Risk Factors
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common dental condition in the United States, with over 47% of adults aged 30 and older having some form of gum disease. Gum disease is when your gums become infected and irritated, usually over time and due to poor oral hygiene. Not flossing, not brushing regularly, or even taking certain medications can both trigger and worsen gum disease.
Missing regular dental exams and cleanings also allows plaque that cannot be reached with a toothbrush or floss to build up along the gum line, causing irritation of the tissue. Gum disease starts out as gingivitis, and can eventually progress into periodontitis (which is irreversible).
Redness and gum irritation are the most obvious signs of gum disease, and usually the first symptoms patients notice. Additionally, they may notice bleeding when brushing or flossing, and/or any of the below symptoms that can also indicate gum disease.
- Sensitivity to Hot or Cold
- Bleeding Gums (even while not brushing or flossing)
- Constant Bad Breath
- Pain while Chewing or Speaking
- Swollen or Puffy Gums
- Tender Gums
- Receding gums
- Loose Teeth
- Tooth Loss
- Change in Bite
- New Spaces Between Teeth
At-Risk Patients
There are a number of factors that may make people more susceptible to gum disease. Such factors include the following:
- Poor Oral Hygiene
Poor oral hygiene leads to dental plaque and cavities, which inevitably leads to tooth decay and gum disease. At-home dental care, like flossing and brushing your teeth twice a day, helps ensure clean, healthy teeth and gums. Using mouthwash is also beneficial, and for some people vital, to preventing bacteria overgrowth. Additionally, making sure you keep up with your dental exams and professional teeth cleanings is also important for preventing gum disease. - Tobacco Products
Using tobacco products, such as smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco, increases the risk of developing gum disease, and treatments also become less effective if the patient is a tobacco user. - Smokers are twice as likely to develop gum disease as compared to non-smokers, and the risk goes up the longer a person smokes.
- Certain Illnesses
Certain illnesses and diseases, such as diabetes and AIDS, leave patients at a higher risk of developing gum disease due to various complications associated with their disease. For example, people with AIDS have impaired immune systems, which puts them at a greater risk. - Hormonal Changes (e.g. during pregnancy or menopause)
Hormonal fluctuations can make people more susceptible to gum disease. For example, pregnant women may be more prone to gum disease and cavities. This not only poses a risk for the mother’s oral health, but the overall health of her baby, as well. (Periodontal disease in pregnant women has been associated with preterm birth and low birth weight.) - Other risk factors can include:
- Taking Certain Medications (i.e. ones that reduce saliva)
- Dry Mouth
- Genetic Susceptibility
Treating Gum Disease
The goal of treating gum disease is to treat the infection itself, and treatment depends on how severe the infection is. This could be done through extensive dental cleaning at your dentist, such as scaling and root planing, or soft tissue grafts. If the disease is not advanced, you may simply need to undergo professional dental cleanings more often.
Keeping up thorough dental care at home is also paramount to treating gum disease. Your dentist may also suggest you make certain lifestyle changes, such as eating less sugar, exercising more, or quitting smoking.
Periodontal Treatment – The Loop
If you are looking for a periodontist near River North, Windy City Family Dental is here for you. As a family dentist in Chicago, IL, we provide periodontal treatment, as well as general dental services like cleanings and exams, to our patients. We strive to not only help patients understand the importance of keeping their teeth clean and healthy, but also the foundation of those teeth- their gum tissue.
For periodontal treatment in River North, contact Windy City Family Dental today at (312) 874-5369, and let us help you get back on the road to optimal dental health.
