Gum Disease Treatment in Chicago
Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It often starts quietly, with a little bleeding when you brush, and left unchecked it can lead to receding gums, loose teeth, and tooth loss. At Brush Street Dental Boutique in Chicago’s West Town, we diagnose gum disease at every stage and build a plan to stop it, reverse what we can, and protect your smile for the long term.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, develops when plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) collects along and beneath the gumline. Your body fights back with inflammation, and over time that inflammation wears down the gums and the bone that anchor your teeth. Because the early stages rarely hurt, many people have no idea anything is wrong until the disease is advanced, which is exactly why regular checkups matter.
Gum disease is remarkably common. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly half of adults aged 30 and older in the United States have some form of periodontal disease, and that number rises above 70% for adults 65 and older. It is also the leading cause of adult tooth loss and has been linked to broader health issues including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Signs and symptoms of gum disease
Because gum disease is often painless, it helps to know what to look for. Reach out to our Chicago office if you notice any of these warning signs:
Red, swollen, or tender gums
Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
Gums pulling away from the teeth, making teeth look longer
Persistent bad breath or a bad taste that will not go away
Teeth that feel loose or seem to be shifting
New gaps opening up between your teeth
A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
Sensitivity to hot or cold near the gumline
What causes gum disease?
Inconsistent brushing and flossing and skipped professional cleanings are the biggest culprits, but several factors raise your risk: smoking or tobacco use, genetics, crowded or misaligned teeth that are hard to clean, poor nutrition, stress, and the hormonal changes of pregnancy. Health conditions such as diabetes, and certain medications that reduce saliva or cause gum swelling, can accelerate the problem as well.
Gingivitis vs. periodontitis
Gum disease progresses in stages, and the stage you are in shapes how we treat it.
Gingivitis: the early, reversible stage
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums caused by plaque at the gumline. You may notice bleeding when brushing or flossing, but there is no bone loss yet. The encouraging news is that gingivitis can usually be reversed with professional cleanings and a stronger home-care routine.
Periodontitis: the advanced stage
When gingivitis goes untreated, it can progress to periodontitis. At this stage the infection reaches the bone and connective tissue, deep pockets form between the gums and teeth, and the structures that support your teeth begin to break down. Periodontitis cannot be undone, but it can be controlled, and the goal becomes halting its progression and preserving your natural teeth.
How we treat gum disease at Brush Street
Your treatment is matched to the stage and severity of your gum disease. Early gum disease often responds to a professional cleaning and improved daily care. More advanced cases may call for a deeper cleaning known as scaling and root planing, ongoing periodontal maintenance visits, or coordination with a specialist when that is the best option for you. After we examine your gums, we will explain exactly what they need and answer every question before you decide on a plan.
Can gum disease be prevented or reversed?
Yes, and prevention is always the best medicine. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and keeping up with routine checkups and cleanings prevent most gum disease and catch early changes before they turn serious. Caught at the gingivitis stage, it is often fully reversible.
Frequently asked questions
Is gum disease reversible?
In its earliest stage, gingivitis, gum disease is usually reversible with professional cleanings and consistent home care. Once it advances to periodontitis it can no longer be reversed, but it can be managed to stop further damage.
Does gum disease treatment hurt?
Most gum disease treatment is comfortable. Routine and deeper cleanings are performed with local anesthetic when needed, and our team focuses on keeping you relaxed throughout your visit.
How often should I have my teeth cleaned?
Many patients do well with a cleaning every six months. If you have a history of gum disease, we may recommend more frequent periodontal maintenance visits to keep it under control. We will tailor the right schedule to your gums.
Concerned about your gums? Call Brush Street Dental Boutique at (773) 362-8585 or request an appointment online. You will find us in Chicago’s West Town at 1457 N Halsted Street, Suite B301.