Smile Big Dental Specialists provides world-class periodontics to Oakbrook Terrace, IL residents, helping them to treat gingivitis and periodontitis. Our specialists understand how to cater their treatment regimens to each patient’s unique needs, challenges, and personality. We know the word “disease” is a loaded one, so we operate with compassion and excellent bedside manner. We carefully explain the nature of your condition and how we plan to treat it. Contact us today to schedule a cleaning or to receive treatment for gum disease.
Gingivitis and Why You Should Take It Seriously
Just because gingivitis is the less severe form of periodontal disease doesn’t mean you should ignore it. Patients who have gingivitis suffer from inflammation of their gums caused by excessive plaque buildup. When you do not address plaque, it can turn into a barnacle-like substance and form tartar. Eventually, it hardens, making it challenging to remove. As it grows, it infects your gums, causing redness and bleeding you might not necessarily see. Most importantly, gingivitis can transform into its more severe cousin, periodontal disease.
How Gingivitis Progresses to Periodontitis
As the plaque turns to calculus and hardens, it is essential to remove it. Treating gingivitis at the point of attack is crucial to avoiding periodontal disease, which can have devastating impacts on your oral and overall health. Moderate periodontitis results in gum separation from the teeth and early to moderate bone loss. Severe and advanced periodontitis will result in severe bone loss, deep pockets, and tooth loss. But it is the overall health dangers that patients should consider when seeking treatment. Bacteria can travel from beneath the gums and into your bloodstream, which can cause heart trouble.
Avoid Gum Disease With At-Home and In-Office Care
Gum disease might sound scary, but it is avoidable. Be vigilant at home and brush and floss daily. But more importantly, do not neglect your regular visits to our practice. Professional dental cleanings are the only way to wholly remove plaque and tartar from your teeth before it hardens and seeps into your gum line. Gum disease is notoriously difficult to treat, and we want to help patients avoid tooth and bone loss, as well as the scarier health impacts of periodontal disease.
