For a beautiful and healthy smile, it is important to take care of your entire mouth. While teeth definitely need attention too, the rest of the mouth is too often overlooked. Care of the gums and dental bones are important aspects of dental care because these are the structures which support the teeth. Without a strong network of support, even healthy teeth will become compromised over time, leading to degradation and eventually tooth loss. Neglect of the gum tissue in particular can lead to a myriad of dental problems, including periodontitis, or gum disease. The good news is, the earlier it is caught, the more easily it can be corrected.
What are the signs of gum disease?
- Halitosis, or persistently bad breath
- Teeth that are sensitive to hot, cold and/or sweets
- Pain when chewing
- Gums that appear red or puffy
- Gums which bleed easily (such as when brushing the teeth)
- Loose teeth
- Receding gum line
Why does it matter?
What starts out as simple tenderness in the gums can lead to far worse problems in the future if left untreated. As the gum tissue weakens, pockets appear surrounding the teeth, creating an environment for the growth of resilient bacteria. These pockets continue to degrade the gum tissue until the tissue gives way completely and the bone is exposed. But the bacteria don’t stop there. Once the bone is exposed, it too is at a risk of degradation and decay. The bone becomes weakened and deteriorates until there is no longer enough bone to support teeth and the teeth fall out. Once this occurs, it can be difficult to use even false teeth and extensive surgery may be needed in order to fully restore the teeth to functionality again.
If you feel you may be showing the early signs of gum disease, or if another dentist has recommended periodontic treatment, Naperville dental office Sherman Oaks dental has got you covered. Many of our patients agree that we are the best dentist in Naperville, and we have worked hard to earn the loyalty and trust of our patients. We offer many different procedures for the treatment of periodontitis, and would love to work with you to help you discover your particular dental needs.
From preventive measures to surgical procedures, we have the technology, equipment and experience you need to restore and maintain your beautiful smile. Give us a call or click here to schedule your appointment today!