Kids may look forward to a visit by the tooth fairy as they grow and begin to lose their “baby teeth.” For adults, young and old… it’s not good news. Adults most often lose teeth (apart from an accident) from periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease. No one wants these conditions to be the norm or be progressive. A healthy mouth can and should reflect overall good health.

 

Gum Disease

Gingivitis is usually the first stage of periodontal disease. It begins with inflammation and progresses to an infection of the gums caused by bacteria in plaque around the teeth that’s been building for too long. There can be other factors besides poor dental hygiene that contribute to gum disease. What’s important is to stop it in its tracks immediately

before gum tissue and bone structure is affected.

 

Have you noticed bleeding or some irritation when you brush or floss? Healthy gums don’t bleed. Call Autumn Dental of Mokena today for an oral exam and receive a plan of options to correct the problem. The reason for prompt action is that brushing or home remedies will not stop gingivitis from eventually progressing to periodontal disease and the probable loss of one or more teeth.

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Periodontal Disease

For patients who have periodontal disease, treatment becomes more complex depending on severity. In a patient with periodontitis the gum and bone begin to pull away from the tooth and form small pockets or spaces. It’s in these spaces that infection takes hold and continues below the gum line. Progressively, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed.

 

At this stage you’ll notice that the tooth seems loose. The tooth is no longer firmly planted in the bone socket and irreversible bone and tissue damage may have taken place. Left untreated the toxins can travel into your bloodstream, causing systemic health problems.

 

Our dentists at Autumn Dental of Mokena will provide a thorough exam and take x-rays to evaluate how far the disease has progressed. Options and new technologies will be discussed and explained in detail for you to make the right decision on returning to good oral health.

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