More than eighty percent of Americans have some form of gum disease, according to the Naperville dentists at Smiles by Dr. Gibson and Associates, making it the most prevalent disease in the country. While many tend to dismiss gum disease as a mere inconvenience that causes slight bleeding at their twice yearly dental cleanings, periodontal disease is a serious condition. In fact, as the Naperville dentists point out, gum disease can actually lead to heart problems, stroke, and even dementia, among other health concerns.
Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, occurs when tarter beneath the gum line becomes infected, possibly even spreading to the bones connected to your teeth. Once these bones become infected, a patient can potentially begin losing teeth. This, the Naperville dentists at Smiles by Dr. Chiann emphasize, is why catching gum disease early is so vital.
The early signs of periodontal disease are well publicized, Dr. Chiann Gibson and other Naperville dentists point out. Dentists and hygienists have been warning patients about bleeding gums for decades, but periodontal disease symptoms start at a mild level, with simple swelling and bleeding generally only showing up at professional cleanings and while flossing.
Recent research has given Naperville dentists reason for alarm. When infection is present in the gums and bones of the mouth, the Naperville dentists at Smiles by Dr. Gibson explain, that infection can get into the bloodstream and be carried to the rest of the body. This research has found an increased connection between patients with gum disease and other issues, including heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes. Expectant moms with gum disease have also been shown to have a higher prevalence of low birth weight babies, the Naperville dentists at Smiles by Dr. Gibson report. However, the Naperville dentists are quick to point out that researchers still have not found conclusive evidence that periodontal disease causes these issues specifically.
Once gum disease has progressed, your Naperville dentists can treat it by removing hardened plaque from beneath the gum line (scaling) and root planning. Through antibiotics, the Naperville dentists at Smiles by Dr. Gibson can help treat any infections and prevent those infections from spreading. The Naperville dentists can also use laser therapy to help remove bacteria in areas that traditional dentistry is unable to reach.
Since there is no cure for periodontal disease, the best solution is to prevent gum disease from the beginning. Daily flossing and regular brushing can help alleviate your risks, Naperville dentists say. It’s also important to see your Naperville dentists twice a year for your regular cleanings. This will help prevent tartar from building up beneath the gum line, mitigating your risk.
If you notice symptoms such as red, swollen gums or bleeding when you brush or floss, see your Naperville dentists as soon as possible. The sooner the Naperville dentists at Smiles by Dr. Gibson know about your gum disease, the sooner you can begin to take steps to prevent further damage.
Smiles by Dr. Gibson and Associates is a full-service dental facility providing both cosmetic and preventive dentistry. Dr. Chiann Gibson and an award winning staff at Smiles by Dr. Gibson features the best Naperville dentists providing quality, state-of-the-art dentistry. Dr. Chiann Gibson is an Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), a level achieved by only eleven other dentists in the entire state of Illinois. She lives near Naperville with her husband and their son.
Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, occurs when tarter beneath the gum line becomes infected, possibly even spreading to the bones connected to your teeth. Once these bones become infected, a patient can potentially begin losing teeth. This, the Naperville dentists at Smiles by Dr. Chiann emphasize, is why catching gum disease early is so vital.
The early signs of periodontal disease are well publicized, Dr. Chiann Gibson and other Naperville dentists point out. Dentists and hygienists have been warning patients about bleeding gums for decades, but periodontal disease symptoms start at a mild level, with simple swelling and bleeding generally only showing up at professional cleanings and while flossing.
Recent research has given Naperville dentists reason for alarm. When infection is present in the gums and bones of the mouth, the Naperville dentists at Smiles by Dr. Gibson explain, that infection can get into the bloodstream and be carried to the rest of the body. This research has found an increased connection between patients with gum disease and other issues, including heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes. Expectant moms with gum disease have also been shown to have a higher prevalence of low birth weight babies, the Naperville dentists at Smiles by Dr. Gibson report. However, the Naperville dentists are quick to point out that researchers still have not found conclusive evidence that periodontal disease causes these issues specifically.
Once gum disease has progressed, your Naperville dentists can treat it by removing hardened plaque from beneath the gum line (scaling) and root planning. Through antibiotics, the Naperville dentists at Smiles by Dr. Gibson can help treat any infections and prevent those infections from spreading. The Naperville dentists can also use laser therapy to help remove bacteria in areas that traditional dentistry is unable to reach.
Since there is no cure for periodontal disease, the best solution is to prevent gum disease from the beginning. Daily flossing and regular brushing can help alleviate your risks, Naperville dentists say. It’s also important to see your Naperville dentists twice a year for your regular cleanings. This will help prevent tartar from building up beneath the gum line, mitigating your risk.
If you notice symptoms such as red, swollen gums or bleeding when you brush or floss, see your Naperville dentists as soon as possible. The sooner the Naperville dentists at Smiles by Dr. Gibson know about your gum disease, the sooner you can begin to take steps to prevent further damage.
Smiles by Dr. Gibson and Associates is a full-service dental facility providing both cosmetic and preventive dentistry. Dr. Chiann Gibson and an award winning staff at Smiles by Dr. Gibson features the best Naperville dentists providing quality, state-of-the-art dentistry. Dr. Chiann Gibson is an Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), a level achieved by only eleven other dentists in the entire state of Illinois. She lives near Naperville with her husband and their son.
