Gum Disease Treatment in Rockford IL

Understanding Gum Disease

Gum disease is an infection affecting the gums, including gingivitis and periodontitis. The milder, earliest form is gingivitis, an infection or inflammation of the gums. If left untreated, the condition can move below the gum line and infect the jawbone. This is a more severe infection called periodontitis. Both forms of gum disease can increase your risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, pneumonia, osteoporosis, and some forms of cancer.

Causes of Gum Disease

There is a mouth-body connection. Gum disease is triggered by harmful bacteria in the mouth that builds up on the gums, and also by the body’s own immune system and inflammation. The bacteria, mucus, and debris in your mouth form a sticky coating on your teeth called plaque. If plaque is not removed effectively, it hardens into tartar that cannot be removed except with a dental cleaning. The most common cause of gum disease is a lack of oral hygiene.

Risk factors that increase your chances of getting gum disease include:

• Smoking (this is the most significant risk factor)
• Diabetes
• Hormonal changes
• Chronic dry mouth from medications or illness
• Genetic susceptibility
• Nutritional deficiencies

The Signs of Gum Disease

Recognizing the early signs of gum disease is crucial to your overall oral health. Treating gum disease is much easier when you have gingivitis. Once it progresses to periodontitis, treatment is more extensive and can be uncomfortable. The first sign of gum disease is usually bleeding gums, particularly if they bleed after brushing or flossing. Other signs include:

• Swollen, red, bleeding, or painful gums
• Chronic bad breath
• Receding gums
• Teeth sensitivity, particularly to hot and cold
• Loose teeth

Gum Disease Treatment

Cosic Dental offers the latest options for treating gum disease, including a holistic approach that addresses the causes and symptoms of gingivitis. Preventive care after treatment helps keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Periodontal Therapy

A thorough cleaning of the teeth to remove gingivitis and plaque is the first step in treating gum disease. Depending on the severity of the problem, we may perform root scaling and planing. If the gums are damaged or receded, surgery may be needed to restore the gums.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics fight the infection in your gums and jawbone. Rather than taking an oral antibiotic, we may use Arestin, a powdered antibiotic applied directly to the base of the teeth and inserted into the gum pockets to arrest the development of bacteria. This antibiotic is localized and will not have any bad effects on the gut.

Holistic Treatments

We are dedicated to taking a holistic approach to treating gum disease when appropriate. This may include dental cleaning, oil pulling, probiotics to balance the mouth’s biomes, and natural antibacterial. Ozone therapy is one of our most powerful tools in fighting gum disease.

Surgery

Sometimes periodontitis is so advanced that surgery is the only feasible option. If the teeth cannot be saved, we may have to extract them. Bone grafts and soft tissue grafts may also help support loosened teeth after thoroughly cleaning any infection pockets in the gum line. Pocket reduction surgery focuses on lifting away or pushing back the gums so that tartar can be removed and the tissue fitted more closely around the teeth.

Benefits of a Holistic Approach to Gum Disease

Holistic dentistry focuses on healing infection and controlling gum disease while getting to the root cause of the disease and helping you be healthier. Ozone treatments are incredibly effective at ridding the oral cavity of harmful bacteria and viruses without damaging surrounding tissue or causing any side effects. We also recommend adding oil pulling to your daily brushing and flossing routine to keep bacteria in the mouth under control. Holistic treatments for gum disease are non-invasive, safe, and effective without the potential side effects of many medications.

Gum Disease Frequently Asked Questions

Is gum disease curable?

No, but if treated early and the infection is controlled, gum disease can be maintained in remission. However, there may be consequences such as loose teeth that have to be addressed. Once you have been treated for gum disease, it is imperative that you practice good oral hygiene to prevent its return.

What is the best mouthwash for gum disease?

We recommend avoiding mouthwashes, as they are full of harsh chemicals and many times alcohol. We recommend oil pulling or essential oils for the mint flavor.

How can I treat gum disease at home?

The best treatment is prevention. Floss daily and brush twice a day (or more) to ensure plaque and tartar do not build up along the gum line. Coconut oil pulling before brushing and flossing helps remove toxins from the mouth that can contribute to gingivitis.

If you have gingivitis, rinsing your mouth a few times a day with warm salt water helps kill bacteria, clean the area, and reduce inflammation. Some essential oil mouthwashes can also help reduce gum disease and soothe the area. We are happy to help you choose the correct dilution and formulation of essential oils to treat gingivitis at home.