What Causes Gum Disease?

Do your gums bleed when you brush or floss your teeth? You could be at risk of developing gum disease.

Dr. Thomas Prendergast is a dentist in Fox Lake, IL that treats periodontitis, or gum disease. Gingivitis, a condition that often precedes periodontitis, is marked by swollen, red, and bleeding gums. Although gum disease is common, it can cause dental problems that damage teeth and may even lead to tooth loss. Dr. Prendergast and his professional dental team assist patients with routine and complex dental problems, including periodontitis. But how does periodontitis develop? Learn about the causes and common signs of gum disease below:

Causes of Gum Disease

Periodontitis can have multiple causes:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Smoking or tobacco use
• Stress
• Genetics
• Poor nutrition
• Teeth grinding
• Hormonal changes
• Certain medications

Patients with these conditions could be more predisposed to developing periodontitis than other patients.

Signs of Gum Disease

There are also several common symptoms that often accompany gum disease, including:

• Bleeding gums
• Tooth loss
• Receding gums
• Shifting teeth
• Swollen or sore gums
• Mouth sores
• Constant bad breath (halitosis)

Have you noticed any of these symptoms? Contact Infinity Dental for care at (847) 447-6637. Treat these problems before they worsen

Treating Gum Disease

Antibacterial washes may be recommended for patients with mild gingivitis. Continue to improve dental hygiene to prevent future buildup. These treatments are usually successful and will help avoid further infection and damage.

For patients with periodontitis, Dr. Prendergast may perform scaling or root planning procedures. Oral surgery may be needed for patients with serious gum disease problems. Scaling removes bacteria and tartar from the mouth, while root planing helps to remove bacteria causing inflammation by smoothing tooth roots. For more information on gum disease treatment, please see Gum Disease.

Schedule a Consultation

Treat bleeding gums and tooth damage at the source with gum disease treatment in Fox Lake, IL. Call Infinity Dental today at (847) 447-6637. You can also request an appointment with Dr. Prendergast on his website. Do you have any remaining questions about our types of dental treatments? Our staff will be happy to help you. We also offer dental cleanings to help keep patients on track. Regular dental visits help combat periodontitis.