Picture your smile without any gums. It would look pretty funny, don’t you think? Though we don’t recognize our gums as a primary beacon of an attractive appearance, too much, not enough, or unhealthy gum tissue can be a big distraction. Your gums protect your dental roots and frame your smile. When gum tissues become inflamed and infected by the bacteria called Porphyromonas gingivalis, you will be afflicted with periodontal disease. One of the earliest gum disease symptoms is bleeding, but eventually, your gums can recede, leading to cosmetic dental disaparities.

Early Gum Disease

It is believed that approximately 80% of Americans succumb to gum disease in adulthood. Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease, and may have no symptoms. However, one possible red flag is blood when you brush and floss teeth. Plaque buildup on teeth can harden into something called tartar, which collects at the gumline. Fortunately, gingivitis does not have to progress, and can even be halted and reversed with dental cleanings and periodontal treatments. After that, putting diligent oral hygiene into practice and visiting your dentist every six months can help you avoid any future issues with periodontal disease.

Advanced Gum Disease

When early gum disease is ignored, it can progress to something called periodontitis (advanced gum disease). The inner layer of gingival tissue begins to pull away from the teeth, forming something called periodontal pockets. These small spaces between teeth and gums will start to collect food and bacterial debris, which can then become infected. Periodontal pockets can deepen over time, and destroy gum and jawbone tissue leading to restorative and cosmetic dental problems. When your teeth lose their anchor, they are likely to become loose, and eventually fall out altogether. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

ABOUT YOUR HIGHLAND PARK DENTIST:

Dr. Brent Engelberg and his highly-skilled team proudly serve patients and their families from Arlington Heights, IL, and all surrounding communities, including; Northbrook, Deerfield, Highland Park, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Vernon Hills, Lincolnshire, Libertyville, Skokie, Evanston, Palatine, Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Rolling Meadows, and the Northern and Northwest Chicago Suburbs. To learn more, schedule a consultation online, or call our office today at 847-259-8030.