Get To Know Us Your gums do more than hold up your teeth. They also protect your body from the bacteria in your mouth, and believe us, there is a lot of bacteria in your mouth. Of course, you should brush your teeth for two minutes at a time twice a day, floss once a day, and see your dentist for your routine cleanings and exams. But in between visits, you should monitor your mouth for signs of gum disease. Â Those signs include gums that are tender and swollen or are bleeding. Healthy gums are pink, and red gums may be a sign of gum disease. If you notice any of these signs, you should make an appointment to see one of our skilled dentists, Dr. Olaitan Okediji-Registe, Dr. Keith Bram, or Dr. Seyed Danesh.
There are different causes of gum disease, but the primary cause is the buildup of plaque on your teeth. When that happens, it causes your gums to swell, which allows even more plaque to accumulate on your teeth below the gumline. And obviously, your toothbrush can’t reach below the gumline. In a case such as this, we may try a two-step process known as scaling and root planing. First, the plaque and tartar will be removed from your teeth, above and below your gums. Then, in a second procedure, the roots of your teeth will be cleaned and smoothed to allow them to reattach themselves to your jaws.
If you have noticed the signs of gum disease, contact Magnificent Mile Family Dental in Chicago, Illinois and schedule an appointment. Â We look forward to seeing you soon.