Types of Gum Disease

Preventing tooth decay is what people typically consider to be the main goal of oral health. While cavity prevention is obviously important, healthy gums are the true foundation of not only oral health but overall health. As a Healthline article so succinctly puts it, “Even if you’re cavity-free and have the pearliest chompers in town, that doesn’t mean you’re immune to gum disease. Since it’s usually painless, most people have no idea that anything is wrong with their gums.”

Because gum disease is so stealth, it could be well along before symptoms become obvious. In fact, although we talk about two types of gum disease – gingivitis and periodontitis – they’re basically one and the same, with periodontitis being the advanced stage of gingivitis. Together, they are called periodontal (gum) disease.

The National Institute of Health defines periodontal disease as “… inflammation and infection that destroys the tissues that support the teeth, including the gums, the periodontal ligaments, and the tooth sockets (alveolar bone).” We offer a breakdown of gingivitis and periodontitis – including symptoms, risk factors, and prevention.

How Gum Disease Starts

In most cases, the development of periodontal disease begins with plaque, which is a sticky film composed mainly of bacteria. Plaque forms on your teeth when starches and sugars in food interact with bacteria normally found in your mouth. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day removes plaque, but it very quickly forms again.

If left to establish itself, plaque can harden under your gumline into tartar (calculus). Filled with bacteria, tartar is harder to remove. The longer plaque and tartar remain on your teeth, the more damage they can do. You can't get rid of tartar by brushing and flossing. Only a professional dental cleaning can remove it. If not removed, plaque sets up the conditions for gingivitis.

Symptoms of Gingivitis

Healthy gums are firm and pale pink and are fitted tightly around the teeth. The following changes indicate trouble:

Swollen or puffy gums
Dusky red or dark red gums
Gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss
Receding gums
Tender gums
Bad breath

We’d like to call special attention to the issue of bleeding gums. You may have seen the toothpaste commercial that asks if bleeding gums should be a cause for concern. The answer is definitely yes! However, the commercial fails to communicate the urgency of seeing your dentist as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment to prevent the progress of the disease. Bleeding gums always indicate a condition that needs immediate attention! Brushing with one particular toothpaste brand won’t treat the cause.

Risk Factors for Gingivitis

Practically speaking, almost everyone can develop gingivitis. While many contributing factors can be controlled, others can’t. For example, people with a compromised immune system, certain medical conditions (such as uncontrolled diabetes), or genetics are more likely to be at risk. Other factors include the following:

Poor oral care habits
Smoking or chewing tobacco
Dental restorations that don't fit properly or misaligned natural teeth that are difficult to clean
Certain drugs – such as phenytoin for epileptic seizures – and some calcium channel blockers, which are prescribed for angina, high blood pressure, and other conditions
Hormonal changes – such as those related to pregnancy, menstrual cycle, or use of birth control pills
Older age
Dry mouth
Poor nutrition, including vitamin C deficiency

Treatment and Prevention for Gingivitis

Again, early detection and treatment for gingivitis can prevent progress into periodontitis, which left untreated (or treated too late) results in bone infection and tooth loss. Periodontal treatment will vary depending on your individual case and your stage of gum disease and may include both surgical and nonsurgical methods. Your dentist and dental hygienist may be able to treat very early-stage gum disease, but more advanced stages will require the treatment of a periodontist. To learn more about this specialty, read our blog post, “Signs You Need a Periodontist.”

The old saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” certainly applies to preventing gingivitis. Here are the most effective ways to keep it at bay:

Practice good oral hygiene – Brush your teeth for two minutes at least twice daily - in the morning and before going to bed - and floss at least once a day. If possible, brush after every meal or snack, or as your dentist recommends. Flossing before you brush allows you to clean away the loosened food particles and bacteria.

Schedule regular dental visits – See your dentist or dental hygienist regularly for cleanings, usually every six months. If you have risk factors that increase your chance of developing periodontitis, you may need professional cleaning more frequently. Annual dental X-rays can help identify diseases that are not seen by a visual dental examination and monitor for changes in your oral health.

Follow healthy practices – Leading a lifestyle that includes healthy eating and managing blood sugar if you have diabetes also are important to maintaining gum health.

Symptoms of Periodontitis

At this stage, symptoms are more pronounced than those signifying gingivitis. They include the following:

Swollen or puffy gums
Bright red, dusky red, or purplish gums
Gums that feel tender when touched
Gums that bleed easily
Pink-tinged toothbrush after brushing
Spitting out blood when brushing or flossing
Bad breath
Pus between your teeth and gums
Loose teeth
Painful chewing
New spaces developing between teeth
Gums that pull away from your teeth (recede), making your teeth look longer than normal
A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

Risk Factors for Periodontitis

Risk factors are the same as those for gingivitis, but with the addition of recreational drug use, vaping, obesity, medications that cause dry mouth or gum changes, and such diseases as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn's disease.

Treatment and Prevention for Periodontitis

As periodontitis is the advanced stage of gingivitis, follow the practices for preventing gingivitis in the first place. The process for treating periodontitis is usually extensive, depending on the stage of the disease. Our blog post – “What is Periodontal Gum Disease?” – provides an in-depth description of each stage within the diagnosis of periodontitis.

Surgical treatments may include the following:

Flap surgery/pocket reduction surgery, to make scaling and root planing easier.
Soft tissue graft, to cover exposed roots and reduce gum recession.
Bone grafting, to prevent tooth loss and encourage bone regrowth.
Guided tissue regeneration, to prevent unwanted tissue from interfering with bone regrowth.
Tissue-stimulating proteins, stimulate healthy bone and tissue growth.

The Take-Home Message

Conscientious oral health practices are the best way to prevent periodontal disease. At NK Family Dental, it is our mission to provide the highest quality and most compassionate oral care to our Chicago patients, including both dental and periodontal services. Our dental specialists include our general dentist, Dr. Nilofer Khan, our periodontist, Dr. Amir Danesh, and our endodontist, Dr. Sabek. We serve the neighborhoods of Logan Square, Bucktown, Humboldt Park, and Wicker Park with the dedication that’s earned us the reputation as the Best Dentist in Chicago!

Schedule your visit through ZocDoc, or contact us directly. We look forward to treating you soon!

What Your Toothache Could Mean

When you experience tooth pain, your first reaction might be to turn to Google or WebMD to see what your toothache could mean. Quickly, you might find yourself down a rabbit hole of everything that could be wrong, from the most mild causes to the most rare and severe. Don’t let this dental anxiety and fear get in the way of finding the right treatment for you. So, what could your toothache really mean? In today’s dental blog, we’re going to be discussing the signs and symptoms of toothaches, potential causes and your likely treatment options.

Signs and Symptoms

The Cleveland Clinic describes a toothache as “a pain in or around a tooth.” Toothaches can occur on a sliding scale of tooth pain, some being a mild irritation to others potentially being the sign of a dental emergency. The pain occurs when sensitive nerves within the soft inner pulp of your tooth become irritated or infected.

The signs and symptoms of a toothache can include:

Pain when pressing on the tooth, such as from biting or chewing.
Throbbing, sharp or constant tooth pain.
Swelling or inflammation around the tooth.
An accompanying headache or fever.
Foul-tasting drainage coming from an infected tooth.
Unusually bad breath.

Irritated, red or puffy gums or an abscess on your gums are also important signs to look for if you are experiencing any tooth pain. After all, your gums are essential to keeping your teeth healthy.

Potential Causes

With so many potential signs, there are even more potential causes of a toothache. Seeing a dentist is the only way to officially diagnose your toothache and know what treatment you’ll need. However, it can be helpful to know some of the most common causes of toothaches, as some causes come with other symptoms to look for.

Toothaches could indicate any of the following dental conditions:

Tooth decay, including cavities.
Cracked tooth.
Lost filling.
Infection inside or around the tooth, creating an abscess. These infections are often root canal infections.
Injury to the inside of the tooth, also known as the pulp, which can be caused from an external injury or irritation.
An impacted tooth, which is a tooth that has not grown through the gum line and which commonly occurs in wisdom teeth.

Aside from dental conditions, a toothache could also be a sign of:

A sinus infection, cluster headache or heart attack.
Diseases, such as diabetes.
Vitamin deficiencies.
Shingles or other viral infections.
Alcohol or drug use.
Trigeminal neuralgia or other nerve-related diseases.

Unhealthy gums can also lead to gum disease ranging from mild gingivitis to severe periodontitis. When the gums are irritated or have receded, your teeth become increasingly at higher risk for developing tooth decay or experiencing injury.

What to Do If You Have a Toothache

If you have a toothache, it’s important to first self-assess the situation and your tooth pain. Some serious conditions may require you to make an emergency appointment with your dentist, while some other symptoms can be managed until you are able to see your dentist at the earliest possible appointment date.

Follow the following toothache first-aid steps from the Mayo Clinic, with the appropriate steps depending on your symptoms.

Contact your dentist right away if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, as these signs could indicate the need for an emergency dental exam:

Persistent pain lasting more than one or two days.
A fever with your toothache.
Any signs of infection, including swelling, red-looking gums, pain when biting or foul-tasting discharge.
Difficulty breathing or swallowing.

If your toothache is not as urgent, you should still call your dentist to make an appointment at the earliest possible availability. In the meantime, follow these tips at home to help reduce tooth pain and avoid further irritation:

Frequently rinse out your mouth with warm water.
Gently floss to remove any food particles that could be causing irritation between your teeth.
Take an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever* - but do not place the medication directly against your gums. Follow label directions for dosage.
For toothache caused by injury, place a cold compress on the outside of your cheek to help relieve pain.

*Avoid any OTC antiseptics or products containing benzocaine, and talk to your dentist prior to using benzocaine. Benzocaine has been linked to a serious condition called methemoglobinemia, which, while rare, can be deadly due to decreasing how much oxygen your blood can carry.

The course of treatment your dentist recommends depends upon the cause of your toothache. For severe toothaches, you may require a root canal procedure. Root canals historically have a poor reputation among dental patients, but developments in dental technology and treatment techniques have paved the way for a painless root canal experience with easy recovery. See our previous blog, “What to Expect with a Root Canal,” to learn more!

Chicago Toothache Treatment

A toothache is no walk in the park. Whether your tooth pain is severe or naggingly uncomfortable, we take your dental needs seriously at NK Family Dental. Look no further for your Bucktown or Logan Square dentist in Chicago! We serve a variety of dental needs, including emergency dental exams and root canal treatment. Dr. Nilofer Khan and our professional dental staff look forward to providing you with our high-quality, compassionate dental care.

Give us a call or book an appointment online with Zocdoc today!

What Is Periodontal Gum Disease?

When you go to the dentist, you may only be thinking about the health of your teeth - but did you know your gums are equally as important to your oral health and your overall health? Poor oral hygiene can result in gum disease and many dental conditions, but it isn’t the only cause of gum disease. Therefore, it’s important to know your risk for developing gum disease, how to recognize the signs and what your treatment options may be. Fortunately, there are many ways to improve your oral hygiene and gum health both at home and with the help of an experienced periodontist.

Could You Have Gum Disease?

Even if you brush your teeth every day, you could still be at risk for developing gum disease, leading to effects such as tooth decay and tooth loss. In fact, most Americans don’t even know they have gum disease. While oral hygiene - which includes properly brushing your teeth at least twice daily and properly flossing at least once - can play a large role in whether you develop gum disease, there are also many potential causes not related to oral hygiene. Other causes of gum disease may include genetics and family history, hormones (particularly in pregnant women), stress, medical conditions (such as AIDS or cancer), medications that cause dry mouth, or smoking tobacco products.

How Can I Recognize Periodontal Disease?

Gum disease develops in different stages, with two primary stages: gingivitis and periodontitis, also known as advanced gum disease. The term periodontal disease is a broader way of referring to all forms of gum disease, including both gingivitis and periodontitis. Under the gum disease stage of periodontitis, there are three more categories: chronic periodontitis, aggressive periodontitis and necrotizing periodontitis.

Knowing the signs and symptoms of the different phases of periodontal gum disease is the first step to getting treatment. Gum disease as a whole is caused by an infection from buildup of bacteria that harms the gums and bones that support your teeth, which eventually causes swelling, inflammation and bleeding gums. At its worst, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and erosion of supporting bone structures. Gum disease has also been linked to other health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes and some cancers.

Signs and symptoms include the following:

Swollen, inflamed gums - Signs include puffy gums that look red or purple in color.
Pain - Pain can be experienced through gum sensitivity, tooth pain, or both.
Bleeding - Gums bleeding after brushing your teeth or flossing are a major sign.
Pyorrhea - This occurs when pus discharges from the gums.
Bad Breath and Bad Taste - Other telling signs include constant bad breath and a frequent bad taste in your mouth due to a buildup of bacteria.
Calculus Buildup - Also known as tartar, calculus is a hardened substance created by bacteria that forms on your teeth and can extend below the gumline.
Shifting Teeth - Noticing a shift in your teeth’s normal positions is a major warning sign.
Loose Teeth - Teeth become loose when the gums begin to recede and pull away, thereby creating gum pockets and further exposing teeth to bacteria. Our blog post - “Can Anything Be Done about Receding Gums?” - covers this issue in greater detail.

With these signs and symptoms of periodontal disease in mind, let’s take a look at the stages of gum disease that they could indicate:

Gingivitis - The first stage of gum disease, gingivitis is also the easiest to reverse with the help of your dentist and an improved at-home oral care routine. Signs of gingivitis include swollen or inflamed (red) gums, as well as bleeding gums during toothbrushing.
Chronic Periodontitis - Chronic periodontitis is the next level of gum disease, and it is much more serious. By this stage, your teeth are at greater risk for decay and loss due to a receding gum line and the development of gum pockets.
Aggressive Periodontitis - Gum disease may occur regardless of how thorough your oral hygiene routine is, and regardless of your age. While most forms of gum disease occur in adults, aggressive periodontitis can even affect children as a result of an over-colonization of bacteria in the mouth. The danger of not seeking treatment for aggressive periodontitis is the potential to lose permanent teeth at an early age.
Necrotizing Periodontitis - The most serious form of gum disease, necrotizing periodontitis (also known as acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis) harshly erodes gum tissues, ligaments and the bones of the mouth. This form of periodontitis most frequently occurs in those who smoke tobacco, have a compromised immune system or are malnourished.

Know Your Treatment Options

Periodontal treatment will vary depending on your individual case and your stage of gum disease, and may include both surgical and nonsurgical methods. Your dentist and dental hygienist may be able to treat very early-stage gum disease, but more advanced stages will require the treatment of a periodontist. To learn more about this specialty, read our blog post, “Signs You Need a Periodontist.”

The Mayo Clinic lists the following common periodontal treatments:

Nonsurgical Treatments:

Scaling to remove tartar and bacteria.
Root planing to clear up and smooth root surfaces.
Antibiotics to control bacterial infection.

Surgical Treatments:

Flap surgery/pocket reduction surgery, to make scaling and root planing easier.
Soft tissue graft, to cover exposed roots and reduce gum recession.
Bone grafting, to prevent tooth loss and encourage bone regrowth.
Guided tissue regeneration, to prevent unwanted tissue from interfering with bone regrowth.
Tissue-stimulating proteins, to stimulate healthy bone and tissue growth.

The Take-home Message

Conscientious oral health practices are the best way to prevent periodontal disease. We hope that our offices - and those of our colleagues - will soon be able to reopen. Because visiting our office for routine semi-annual dental examinations and cleanings is not currently possible, being responsible for your own oral health is now more important than ever. Incorporate the following into your oral health routine:

Brush your teeth twice daily, in the morning and before bedtime.
Use a soft-bristle toothbrush, replace every three months.
Use an electric toothbrush to better remove plaque and tartar.
Rinse with a mouthwash to reduce plaque buildup.
Floss daily, and effectively. Read our blog post, “Is Flossing Really Necessary?”
Use dental picks or interdental brushes when floss is not available.
Avoid tobacco products - which will also greatly improve your overall health.

To learn more about how you can keep your gums healthy, we also recommend our NK Family Dental blog post, “How Can I Keep My Gums Healthy?”

Chicago Dental and Periodontal Treatment

At NK Family Dental, it is our mission to provide the highest quality and most compassionate oral care to our Chicago patients, including both dental and periodontal services. We are proud to have Dr. Waeil Elmisalati as our practicing periodontal partner, who is rated by patients as the number one periodontist in Chicago on RateMDs.com.

While elective dental appointments are currently postponed due to COVID-19, we are still accepting emergency dental patients at our NK Family Dental office. During these times, we urge patients with signs of gum disease to follow good oral hygiene practices at home and to call us regarding questions or concerns. For emergency conditions related to periodontal disease such as sudden tooth loss, we recommend calling the office to discuss the potential for an emergency dental appointment or other treatment recommendations.

If you have a dental emergency, contact us immediately to set up your NK Family Dental Emergency Exam. Your oral health is important, and our staff is committed to providing essential care during this time.

How Can I Keep My Gums Healthy?

We often think about keeping our teeth healthy, as we all should. But, do you ever think about your gums? They may seem like the soft protection around your teeth roots, but keeping your gums healthy is vital to keeping your teeth and the rest of your body healthy. In other words, your gums are just one more example that oral health is overall health. Last month, we discussed what can be done about receding gums. This month, we’re taking a look at how to detect gum disease, how to keep your gums healthy and what treatment options are available.

Signs of Gum Disease

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is not something that shows up overnight. Developing gum disease is a slow process, starting with gingivitis and progressing to advanced periodontitis, with many potential contributing factors. Essentially, gum disease is an infection in your gums caused by the buildup of plaque and bacteria, which can then lead to gum recession, damage to the bone supporting your teeth and tooth loss. Gum disease has additionally been linked to an increased risk for heart disease and low birth weights in newborns.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), signs of gum disease may include:

Gums bleeding when brushing teeth
Gums pulling away from the teeth (gum recession)
Gums that are swollen, red or sensitive
Constant bad breath
Teeth that feel loose
Pus appearing between the gums and teeth
Teeth shifting when biting
Changes in how partial dentures fit

You may be at a higher risk for developing gum disease if you:

Do not maintain good oral hygiene
Smoke or chew tobacco
Have cramped or crooked teeth that are difficult to clean
Are pregnant
Take certain medications
Have diabetes
Have certain genetic predispositions
Grind or clench your teeth
Are stressed
Are not eating a nutritious diet

If you are experiencing one or any of the signs of gum disease, it’s important to see a dentist or a periodontist as soon as possible to discuss your condition and treatment options. It’s also important to remember that you may not even experience any pain during the early stage of gum disease, so pay close attention to the other signs your mouth may be giving you that it’s time to see the dentist.

Read more about what a periodontist does and the signs of periodontal disease in our other blog post, “Signs You Need a Periodontist.”

How Can I Get My Gums Back on Track?

Making an appointment with an experienced dentist or periodontist is the first step to getting your gums back on track if you have any signs of gum disease. There, you can discuss and receive treatment. However, preventative action is the best step of all when it comes to keeping gum disease at bay. Everyone can and should improve gum health, whether or not you are experiencing signs of gum disease, through oral hygiene and other routine practices.

The core of improving gum health and preventing gum disease is by thoroughly brushing your teeth and your gums twice a day in order to remove plaque and bad bacteria. Be sure to follow these steps for brushing:

Use a toothbrush in good condition (not frayed) with soft bristles and fluoridated, anti-plaque toothpaste.
Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle towards your gum line.
Use gentle, short brushing strokes as you go over the back and front sides of your teeth and gums.
Clean behind your teeth by sing the tip of the toothbrush.
Remember to also brush your tongue to clear away bacteria.

Other ways you can keep your gums healthy include:

Properly flossing once a day (See blog post, “Is Flossing Actually Necessary?”).
Stop smoking and other tobacco use.
Rinse with a therapeutic mouthwash after brushing.
Eat a nutritious diet and reduce sugar intake.
Make semi-annual visits to your dentist for cleanings and exams.

Are Periodontal Diseases Reversible?

Yes, but it really depends on the stage of your gum disease and how you classify “reversible.” Gingivitis and early gum disease can usually be reversed by going to your dentist for cleanings and keeping up with a thorough oral hygiene routine. However, more advanced periodontitis will require more extensive treatments, which can treat and stop further gum disease, but may not be able to save damage already done. It all depends on your individual case, which is why it’s important to see an experienced periodontist for treatment.

As for some periodontal treatment options, we discussed the following treatments for gum recession in our blog post, “Can Anything Be Done about Receding Gums?”:

Scaling and root planing of tooth roots and gum pockets to help gum tissues heal for mild gum disease cases.
Readjustment or remaking of partial dentures if they are causing the problem.
Gum grafting for advanced gum recession.

Periodontal surgery will likely be required for very advanced cases in order to rebuild your gums and protect your teeth and bone from further decay. After treatment, keeping up your gum health will largely be up to you through your daily oral care routine and sticking to your regular dentist appointments.

Your Gums Deserve the Best

Only a periodontist, a dentist who specializes in periodontics (the study and treatment of gums and supporting bones), can provide the best treatment. NK Family Dental is honored to have periodontist Dr. Waeil Elmisalati as one of our practicing partners. Not only is Dr. Waeil extensively trained and experienced in the field of periodontics, but he is also rated by patients as the #1 periodontist in Chicago on RateMDs.com! To schedule your next dentist or periodontist appointment with NK Family Dental, call us today or book online with ZocDoc.

Is Flossing Really Necessary?

We’re all told by our dentist that we need to floss daily, but how many of us actually keep up with flossing? Every day? For a few weeks after seeing the dentist? A few days? Not at all? More of us may stick to a daily flossing regimen if we really knew the benefits and the best flossing techniques. Since oral health affects your overall health, it’s important to maintain a good oral hygiene routine, which includes flossing. Let’s take a look at the full benefits of flossing your teeth, the best times to floss, and what your alternate options may be!

The Benefits of Flossing

If you brush your teeth twice a day, why should you need to floss? Your teeth are clean, right? Unfortunately, brushing teeth, while still important, does not get your teeth completely clean. Flossing is an extra step to make sure that the spaces under your gums and between your teeth are also clean.

But, do you really need to floss every day?

Yes! Flossing has many benefits for your teeth and gums, especially when it comes to removing plaque and preventing plaque buildup. What’s the issue with plaque? If left untreated, plaque can lead to tartar, a hard substance that only your dentist can remove. Left untreated, tartar can lead to gingivitis, progressing to periodontal disease. Untreated periodontal disease can lead to serious health issues, such as heart disease. It can also lead to tooth decay, tooth loss and bone loss.

Other benefits of flossing include:

Fewer cavities
Better overall oral health (less likely to lose teeth to periodontal disease)
Fresher breath
Spending less on dental work

Of course, flossing your teeth is only effective if it’s done properly. Follow these steps to make sure the spaces in between your teeth and your gums get a thorough cleaning:

Select your preferred floss (waxed, flavored, single-strand, etc.).
Pull about 18 inches of floss.
Wrap the ends of floss around your index or middle fingers on both hands.
Guide the floss between your teeth.
Around each tooth, curve your floss angle and gently rub the floss up and down.
Use a new section of the floss strand between each tooth.
Use your floss to clean behind your very back teeth.
Thoroughly rinse with mouthwash or water.

The Best Times to Floss Your Teeth

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends flossing on a daily basis. As for the best time to floss, there is some debate among dentists on this issue. At present, there isn’t a definitive answer as to when you should floss, so long as you do floss. There is a school of thought that recommends flossing after brushing, while another favors the opposite. Finishing with mouthwash is recommended for either approach, however. As for morning or night, some dentists have different preferences, but flossing (at least once) along with brushing your teeth (twice) is what matters the most for maintaining good oral health.

Are There Alternatives to Consider?

If flossing teeth is something you struggle to accomplish, whether by incorporating it into your routine or the dexterity aspect of traditional flossing itself, there are other dental tools available. However, using non-dental tools (e.g., fingernails, paper, cutlery, safety pins, hair) to dislodge food particles stuck in your teeth can actually be very harmful to your teeth and gums. Talk about your flossing needs with your dentist, who can recommend the best alternative options.

Some of these alternatives to floss may include:

Dental tape
Dental picks/floss sticks
Water flossers/oral irrigators
Expanding dental floss
Interdental/interproximal brushes

Keep Up With Your Oral Care

Flossing every day is important for improving and maintaining your overall health, but the best step you can take for your oral health is to see your dentist for semi-annual check-ups and cleanings. Visiting your dentist ensures your teeth are clean and that your mouth is carefully monitored for all potential oral health conditions. It’s also a great time to ask your dentist questions!

For regular checkups and a wide range of other dental services, visit NK Family Dental in Chicago! Our professional staff, including Dr. Nilofer Khan and Dr. Waeil Elmisalati, have the training, experience and compassion to provide the best oral care. Book your next appointment with us today!

Can Anything Be Done about Receding Gums?

Have you noticed your teeth looking a little different in the mirror lately, like they might be showing more at the gumline than they should? It could be that you are experiencing gum recession. When detected early, gum recession can be treated and even reversed with the help of periodontics. Periodontics is a subcategory of dentistry primarily focusing on the gums and the bone supporting the teeth. There are many potential causes of gum recession, and each is treated differently. Let us help you better understand the effects, causes and available treatment options.

How Bad Could It Be?

First, what exactly is gum recession? WebMD defines the condition as follows:

“Gum recession is the process in which the margin of the gum tissue that surrounds the teeth wears away, or pulls back, exposing more of the tooth, or the tooth's root. When gum recession occurs, "pockets," or gaps, form between the teeth and gum line, making it easy for disease-causing bacteria to build up. If left untreated, the supporting tissue and bone structures of the teeth can be severely damaged, and may ultimately result in tooth loss.”

Receding gums can be insidious, as the recession is so gradual you may not notice. The first sign is usually tooth sensitivity, or you may notice that a tooth looks longer than normal. Typically, a notch can be felt near the gum line. It could be that only one or a few teeth are affected, or the tissue around all teeth is receding. Gum recession needs to be treated as soon as possible. Left untreated, the exposed roots are susceptible to decay - which can lead to tooth loss.

What Causes Gum Recession?

There are many causes of gum recession, some of which can be prevented and others that cannot. Causes of gum recession may include:

Gum (periodontal) disease
Genetics
Smoking or other tobacco use
Damaged gum tissues from injury
Hormone fluctuations (during and after pregnancy)
Brushing teeth too roughly
Bruxism (grinding your teeth)
Poorly fitting partial dentures
Tooth roots or attachment muscles pushing gums out of place

Periodontal disease is the most common cause of gum recession, which itself is generally caused by plaque and bacteria resulting from poor dental hygiene. As we discussed in our blog post, “Signs You Need a Periodontist,” periodontal disease occurs in progressive stages that begin with gingivitis and, left untreated, end in tooth loss.

Treatments for Gum Recession

A periodontist will be able to provide options for treating your gum recession according to the severity of your case. Your dentist or periodontist will teach you proper brushing technique if overly vigorous brushing is the only cause. Other causes, however, are likely to require some form of treatment, which include the following:

Scaling and root planing of tooth roots and gum pockets to help gum tissues heal for mild gum disease cases
Readjustment or remaking of partial dentures if they are causing the problem
Gum grafting for advanced gum recession

If your gum recession is advanced, a gum graft procedure may be recommended. This is a type of dental surgery, but there is no reason to feel anxious over it. A periodontist will ensure the procedure is quick and painless, whether performing connective tissue grafts, free gingival grafts or pedicle (lateral) grafts. After receiving a gum graft, some mild pain and discomfort may occur while the graft sites heal, but the recovery process typically takes only one to two weeks. Of course, your healing will greatly depend on how well you follow your periodontist’s post-surgery instructions.

For gum recession treatment you can trust, choose NK Family Dental. We are honored to have Dr. Waeil Elmisalati as one of our practicing partners, rated as the top periodontist in Chicago by RateMDs.com. Read more about our periodontal and other dental services, and schedule your appointment with us today.

Is it Really that Important to Floss?

Flossing is an important step to full oral hygiene. However, many people tend to slack when it comes to daily flossing—if they even floss at all. It may seem tedious to floss every night, but it can be a very quick process once you are in the habit of it. Routine flossing can save you from major oral problems down the road. Let’s look at the benefits of flossing, how to avoid discomfort and how to make flossing just another regular step in your oral care routine.

Benefits of Flossing

You may have heard before from your dentist that flossing can reduce your risk for developing gingivitis and other gum disease. But how much does it really matter? The truth is, flossing matters a whole lot.

Bacteria buildup is what causes gum diseases like gingivitis, and bacteria that builds up in your mouth from small food particles stuck in your teeth can cause serious damage. Plaque, which forms as a result of poor oral hygiene, can have more than one thousand types of bacteria that reside in your mouth. This bacteria can also lead to cavities, particularly in places that don’t get as clean from brushing alone—such as between the teeth. Not to mention, a lack of flossing can lead to halitosis, which is the medical term for bad breath and is also caused by bacteria.

At its most severe, gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease, which causes bacteria from your mouth to travel throughout your body, affecting vital functions such as your cardiovascular system. Individuals with diabetes are especially susceptible to developing periodontal disease, and pregnant women with periodontal disease increase their risk of delivering low-weight newborns.

Adding flossing to your oral care routine can drastically decrease your risk for all of these conditions. A simple extra minute or two a day can save you from stress and discomfort later on.

How to Avoid Bleeding Gums and Pain When Flossing

If it’s been a while since you last flossed your teeth, there’s a higher chance you may experience some bleeding and irritated gums when you do. This can be a deterrent for people to keep up regular flossing. However, gums that quickly become inflamed or bleed easily are likely experiencing bacteria buildup, which means you are in even more need of flossing. Don’t be too deterred by bleeding and slightly irritated gums when you first try flossing again. The best way to avoid bleeding gums and pain when flossing is to keep up a regular flossing routine, as your gum health will soon improve over time. If pain and bleeding persist, however, talk to your dentist about causes and treatment.

How to Make Flossing a Part of Your Daily Routine

It may seem tedious to remember to floss your teeth every day, but very soon, it won’t even require a second thought. The best time to floss is at night, immediately after brushing your teeth and right before you go to bed. This guarantees that all food particles built up throughout the day will be cleared out and won’t have the opportunity to build up harmful bacteria overnight.

Your daily routine should look something like this:

Brush in the morning for two minutes with an antimicrobial fluoride toothpaste.
Use a therapeutic mouthwash.
Stay hydrated throughout the day.
Avoid unnecessary snacks.
Brush your teeth at night in the same way as the morning.
Floss thoroughly with a waxed floss, holding the floss around each tooth in a curved shape while moving back and forth while also up and down between teeth.
Use mouthwash again.
Get a good night’s rest and start again!

Additionally, keep your floss within sight at your bathroom sink to make sure you don’t forget. It may also be helpful to carry around floss or a handful of dental flossers with you during the day, as well. You never know when you might eat something that gets stuck between your teeth!

Keeping Your Mouth Clean

While daily flossing is an essential part to a good oral hygiene routine, it’s even more important to make semi-annual visits to the dentist. Your dentist will be able to check for any potential signs of gum disease and other oral health conditions. Additionally, a dentist will be able to provide and advise you on ongoing treatment options.

Visit NK Family Dental for you and your family’s Chicago dentist needs. If it’s been a while since your last dental check-up, contact us to schedule your next appointment!