Gum disease is a serious medical condition that can lead to tooth loss. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing your teeth, and visiting your dentist every six months are good ways to keep your teeth in excellent shape. Visiting your dentist in Carpentersville, IL will help you learn more ways to keep your teeth healthy and strong. Dr. Dan Adamo and his experienced staff can help. Keep reading to learn more about signs of gum disease that you shouldn't ignore.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also called periodontitis, is an infection that attacks the soft tissue around your teeth. If left untreated, this infection attacks the bone that supports your teeth too. According to the American Dental Association, gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults.
Signs of Gum Disease
When you have gum disease, you will experience a variety of symptoms. If your gums are swollen and red, you might have gum disease. Sometimes your gums may bleed when you brush your teeth. This is another red flag. Visit your dentist and get the treatment you need to get back to healthy teeth and gums.
These aren't the only signs of gum disease. Other symptoms include:
- loose teeth
- pain when you chew food
- teeth that seem like they are growing longer
- teeth sensitivity
- bad breath that never goes away
Treatment of Gum Disease
When your dentist in Carpentersville, IL diagnoses you with gum disease, he or she will provide the appropriate treatment for your unique situation. This may include deep teeth cleaning where special tools are used to remove plaque and tartar from your tooth enamel.
The dentist may also choose to provide you with an antibiotic to eliminate the infection inside your gums. These kinds of antibiotics are administered through rinses or gels. Your dentist might also prescribe an oral antibiotic to completely kill the infection in your gums.
If you have advanced gum disease, your dentist may recommend dental surgery. Surgery may help rebuild bone or tissue through grafting. Some surgery may involve lifting the gums so the dentist can effectively clean and reshape your tooth roots.
Schedule Your Appointment
Has it been a while since you've visited the dentist in Carpentersville, IL? Maybe you're worried you have gum disease. If so, it's time to give Dr. Dan Adamo and his staff a call. Schedule an appointment with Randall Oaks Dental by calling 224-484-8221.