It’s the month of ghouls, goblins, and ghosts. But there is something else. Something much more real that can really cause you harm — gum infections leading to gum disease.
Going on conservative estimates, 70 percent of Americans with have some form of periodontal or gum infection during their lives. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control recently found that nearly half of adults 30 years and older have some form of periodontitis. It is considered an advanced form of this disease.
We have been helping patients in and around Shorewood, IL prevent and treat gum infections for decades. We would be happy to help you and your family too.
To schedule a dental exam at Shorewood Family Dental Care, call us today at 815-725-5991.
‘It’s Coming from Inside the House’
You’ve probably heard a scary story or have seen a scary movie when the villain calls someone from inside their own house. The danger, in other words, was there the whole time.
We aren’t trying to scare you about gum disease, but the bacteria that cause it already live in your mouth. These bacterias multiply daily! This is why brushing and flossing every single day is so important for gum disease prevention.
Your oral hygiene routine is how you remove this harmful bacteria as well as plaque buildup that can lead to tartar, cavities, and gum infections. Brushing also removes small food particles that can become fuel for bacteria, but flossing is the best way to get rid of those particles that may be stuck between your teeth.
Cleanings and exams are how dental professional get rid of plaque and tartar buildup that you may have missed. Routine dental checkups do reduce your risk of gum problems and other oral health issues.
Defeating the Bad Guys
To continue our scary movie analogy, bacteria would be the bad guys … and you are the hero!
If you do develop a gum infection, our team is here to support you on your mission to restore your oral health.
We’ll even bring out the “big guns,” with our laser dentistry, to help you fight back.
If you notice symptoms like red, swollen or bleeding gums, you should seek help. You may have gingivitis, which is the early signs of gum disease. This can often be treated by being more deliberate about your oral hygiene routine and treatments like scaling and root planing (also commonly known as a deep teeth cleaning).
In the more advanced stages, you may notice receding gums, lingering bad breath, and loose teeth. You may or may not have sore gums, so you should not think that you are fine even if you aren’t feeling any pain. With more serious infections, treating gum disease with lasers can remove the infected tissue. This helps to save more of your healthy gum tissue and speeds up your recovery compared to gum surgery.
Be Prepared
Many times in movies, the main character will face a setback caused by the main villain. We can help you get your mouth back in shape if gum disease does some damage.
To get started, plan a visit with one of our doctors at Shorewood Family Dental Care. Contact us online or call 815-725-5991 today.
