Protecting your smile and overall health with proactive gum disease care
City Family Dental takes a comprehensive approach to caring for you and your family members. Led by Dr. Sneha Naik, our team in Bolingbrook, Illinois, appreciates that dentistry is about more than keeping your teeth clean. We also prioritize those services that restore and maintain the health of the supportive tissues and structures. After all, tooth decay and gum disease are the leading causes of tooth loss. Plus, gum disease can have additional and very serious consequences for the health of your whole body.
Why is gum health so important?
The soft tissues affected by gum disease serve to both support and protect the teeth. They also “frame” the teeth, contributing to a balanced and aesthetically pleasing smile. Gum disease can also lead to deterioration of the supporting bone in the jaw.
The inflammation and bacteria associated with advanced gum disease have been linked to conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, respiratory illnesses, and diabetes. Thus, the effects of this condition are extensive.
Am I at risk of developing gum disease?
The leading risk factor for gum disease is inadequate or inconsistent oral hygiene. You may develop this damaging condition if you don’t regularly and properly brush and floss your teeth, gums, and other areas where bacteria accumulate. You’re also at risk if good home care isn’t combined with professional visits. Cleanings by our hygienists remove what brushing can’t—bacterial plaque that hardens into stubborn tartar. Left untreated, these substances erode teeth and trigger the breakdown of the supporting attachments between teeth and gums. If ignored, gum disease will progress.
How does gum disease progress?
Gum disease starts as gingivitis. This inflammation of the gums can result in symptoms like:
- A puffy, swollen gumline
- “Pink in the sink” or blood on your toothbrush and floss
- Gums that are painful when you brush or otherwise touch them
- Chronically stinky breath
- Gums that look darker and redder than usual
At this stage, the effects of gum disease are reversible. If nothing is done about early-stage inflammation, gingivitis can progress. Periodontitis is the advanced stage of gum disease. It may be characterized by:
- Highly mobile, loose, and shifting teeth
- Changes with your bite, or how the upper and lower teeth come together when your mouth is closed
- Receding gums and deep pockets between the gums and teeth
- A bad taste in your mouth
Once gum tissues are lost, they cannot naturally regenerate without specialized treatments designed to restore them. That’s why every effort is focused on early detection and treatment of gum disease—when its effects are still reversible and the gums and supporting structures can be preserved without the need for aggressive interventions.
What treatments do you offer?
At City Family Dental, prevention is our top priority. We work closely with our patients during routine exams and cleanings, using these visits as opportunities to enhance your oral hygiene habits and provide beneficial in-office preventive treatments, such as bacteria-fighting therapies. Oral health conditions can be subtle and may not show early signs, making regular visits essential. Located in Bolingbrook, IL, Dr. Naik leverages her expertise and advanced technology to detect potential issues that might otherwise go unnoticed, helping to prevent significant dental problems before they develop.
To schedule your visit to our office, call us at (630) 489-6323 today.
