Periodontal Disease

Skilled Gum Disease Treatments in McHenry

Your gum health is crucial to your oral and overall well-being. Gum infection can lead to tooth loss and endanger your overall health due to the oral-systemic connection. That's why early detection and proactive treatment are vital in helping you enjoy a healthy, attractive smile for a lifetime. McHenry Smile Center offers gum disease treatments you can trust to safeguard your oral and overall health.

We know that gum health can be a sensitive topic. You can count on us to provide the care and education you need without judgment, regardless of the current state of your oral health. Our friendly and accommodating team is dedicated to helping you protect your gums and restore your smile. If you want to improve your gum health, don't hesitate to reach out to us for help.

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What Is Gum Disease?

Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is a common infection of the gums. The condition can damage soft tissues and the jawbone if left untreated. Since it is a progressive disease, the earlier you address it, the better your chances of successful treatment will be. Look carefully and reach out to our office if you notice these common signs of gum disease:

Halitosis (persistent bad breath)
Sensitive, sore, swollen, or red gums
Painful or bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
Gum abscess
Receding gum line
Loose teeth

Stages of Gum Disease

Usually, periodontal disease begins with the accumulation of plaque and tartar on your teeth, which encourages bacteria growth, leading to gum infection. This stage is known as gingivitis, the mildest and earliest form of gum disease. It is generally easy to reverse and treat through proper oral hygiene and consistent professional cleanings.

Without treatment, gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, which affects the gums and jawbone. Pockets begin to form below the gum line and deepen as the infection spreads to your jawbone. Eventually, gum disease leads to jawbone damage, receding gums, and tooth loss, and it can even increase risk factors or influence systemic illnesses like pneumonia, heart disease, and diabetes.

Common Causes of Gum Disease

Gum disease commonly occurs due to bacteria that result from poor oral hygiene habits, leading to the accumulation of plaque and tartar. However, the following factors can also contribute to periodontal disease:

Smoking or tobacco use inhibits the gum's ability to repair itself and makes gum disease treatments less effective
Medications that reduce saliva flow in the mouth
Illnesses such as diabetes, AIDS, and cancer
Genetics and family history of gum disease
Hormonal changes, including pregnancy, increase gum sensitivity and make it more susceptible to gingivitis

Our McHenry Gum Disease Treatments

At McHenry Smile Center, we offer various periodontal disease treatments to address gum health concerns and promote your oral health. Our dentist will evaluate your situation to assess the extent of the infection before recommending the appropriate treatment for you. We take the time to answer your questions and explain the situation so you understand what's needed and what you can do to protect your gums going forward.

Our available services to restore and protect your gum health include:

Scaling and Root Planing: Scaling and root planing is a thorough professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar and promote the healing of pockets beneath the gum line. Scaling involves cleaning above and below your gum line to eliminate plaque and tartar buildup, while root planing smooths out the roots of your teeth to help pockets heal and promote reattachment of gum tissues.
At-Home Oral Hygiene Products: Proper oral hygiene is necessary for healthy gums. We provide at-home oral hygiene products for cleaning your teeth and gums, including toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash to disinfect your mouth and prevent bacteria. Our team will issue the instructions you need to get the most out of these products.
Maintenance Cleanings: We provide maintenance cleanings as part of our gum disease services to prevent plaque and tartar from building up after your initial treatment. Since the gums become more susceptible to reinfection, we'll typically schedule maintenance cleanings more frequently than regular cleanings, such as every 3-4 months, depending on your needs.

If you have any questions regarding our treatments, our team is always ready to listen and address your concerns. Our dentists understand that every patient has unique needs and will personalize your treatment to suit your specific situation. In the case of advanced gum disease, our team will refer you to a trusted periodontist for specialized care and treatment.

How to Maintain Your Gum Health

You can help to prevent gum disease by being proactive about your oral health. Here are a few tips to help you safeguard your gum health against periodontal disease:

Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day to keep them clean and eliminate plaque.
Go for regular dental cleanings and checkups. Regular cleanings remove any existing plaque and tartar that may encourage bacteria, while checkups facilitate early detection of gum disease.
Rinse your mouth with a therapeutic mouthwash to reduce plaque, keep gingivitis at bay, and slow the development of tartar.
Avoid smoking and other tobacco products.
Limit your consumption of alcohol and sugary or acidic foods and drinks.
Drink lots of water to help rinse your mouth to prevent plaque accumulation and keep your mouth from getting dry.

Protect Your Smile With Gum Disease Care in McHenry

If you struggle with gum disease, McHenry Smile Center can help you improve the health of your gums through effective gum disease treatments. We're passionate about helping you enjoy a healthy, confident smile, and we're committed to providing the care you need without judgment. Whether you've noticed signs of gum disease or simply haven't had a dental visit in a while, you can count on our team to be friendly, compassionate, and helpful at every step. Get in touch with us today to schedule your appointment for periodontal disease treatment in McHenry.