Are you at risk for gum disease?

Gum disease is a stealthy enemy. This bacterial infection can begin without any warning and then quickly escalate to become a threat to your oral health and general well-being. In fact, the early stage of gum disease, which is called gingivitis, can morph into the advanced stage of periodontitis in as short as six months. That’s what makes your biannual checkups at Countryside Dental so important. With regular examinations, Dr. Nagornaya and her staff of dental hygienists and dental assistants in Buffalo Grove, IL, can spot the warning signs of gum disease early and help you avoid the negative consequences.

Who is at risk for gum disease?

The short answer to that question is everyone—even young children are susceptible. However, there are segments of the population that are more prone to developing periodontal disease. Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that older people have the highest rate of gum disease. Likewise, people who smoke or chew tobacco are at greater risk for developing periodontal disease. Other risk factors include:

• Stress
• Certain drugs such as oral contraceptives, anti-depressants and heart medications
• Bruxism, or teeth grinding and clenching
• Poor nutrition
• A genetic predisposition to having gum disease
• Systemic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis that cause inflammation

What are the early signs of gum disease?

In between your checkups at Countryside Dental, there are overt signs that you need to be aware of. Primarily, gingivitis is marked by gum tissue that is red or swollen and that may bleed when you brush or floss your teeth. At this point, maintaining a stringent oral hygiene routine at home is critical.

In particular, do not stop flossing because you see blood! To the contrary, flossing helps remove plaque from between your teeth, and it is this plaque that is often the cause of gum disease. Blood is merely an indication that gum tissue may be weakening as a result of the accumulation of plaque and the bacteria it contains. You can also try brushing with an antibacterial toothpaste and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash.

Treating Periodontal Disease at Countryside Dental

Of course, for advanced cases of gum disease, we can provide the treatment you need to stop the progress of periodontitis and reverse the effects. With scaling and root planing, we can remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line and smooth the root surfaces, so these agents of gum disease cannot adhere as easily.

Call Our Office Today

If you would like more information about what you can do at home to prevent gum disease, or to schedule a professional dental cleaning and exam, contact Countryside Dental in Buffalo Grove, IL.