Gum Disease Treatment

Gum disease is an essential piece of your overall health, and if left untreated, can lead to problematic issues you want to avoid.

According to the CDC, as many as 47.2% of Americans (64.7 million aged 30 and older) have gum disease. For people over the age of 65, this number rises to 70%. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss and is associated with other diseases like diabetes and heart disease.

Types of Gum Disease

  • Gingivitis

    Inflammation of the gums is called gingivitis. It is the initial phase of periodontal disease. This occurs when bacteria and plaque from our food are not removed. These foreign objects cause an immune reaction that includes bleeding, swelling, and pain. The condition can be reversed with proper hygiene at home and professional care. If it's not treated, it may progress to more severe stages. Periodontal disease, or periodontitis, is defined by bone loss.


    Gingivitis can be caused by other factors. The condition can be aggravated by systemic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, or HIV. Hormonal changes can also worsen gingivitis during pregnancy or puberty. Other outside factors, such as smoking, medications and medication, can also affect the immune response.


  • Periodontitis (Periodontal Disease)

    The plaque and bacteria that accumulate around teeth begin to damage the bone beneath. Periodontal disease is the term used to describe this condition. As periodontitis advances, "pockets" in the gums surrounding the teeth become larger. In this area, bacteria grow, leading to bone destruction, bad breath, and ultimately tooth loss. It can be an entirely painless process until it's too late. Regular dental examinations are necessary to determine the depth of these pocket and make sure that they do not continue to grow. When periodontal disease has been diagnosed, it is necessary to undergo gum infection treatment and have more frequent dental appointments (every 3 months).

Risk Factors

These other factors can exacerbate gum disease even though plaque is its primary cause:

  • Age

    Periodontal disease, or "getting old in the teeth", is a common condition that occurs with age. Around 70% of those over 65 years old have periodontitis, according to studies. Periodontitis can weaken the immune system and cause other systemic diseases. It is therefore important to treat it in older people to maintain total body health.

  • Smoking/Tobacco Use

    Tobacco use can cause periodontal disease, as well as lung cancer, to advance faster than normal.

  • Medicines

    Dry mouth and hormonal changes can be caused by some medications, which may worsen the condition of periodontal disease.

  • Clenching Your Teeth or Grinding Them (Bruxism)

    The periodontal tissue can be destroyed faster if you grind or clench your teeth.

  • Stress

    Stress can weaken the immune system and make it harder to fight off periodontal diseases.

  • Genetics

    Some people are more susceptible to gum disease than others. These individuals require a more aggressive professional treatment.

Read What Our Patients Are Saying Online

"My family has been coming to Dr. Murphy for over 10 years! Every time we’ve been treated with care and leave feeling clean. Dr. Murphy shows that he cares about what’s best for us and our teeth and always gives us tips on what can be better. The receptionists are always helpful with scheduling our next appointments with our busy schedules, and the hygienists are always friendly and make us feel comfortable."

- Joanna G.

★★★★★

"I was looking for a new dentist after my long time dentist retired. I found the right office for me. Dr. Murphy is very professional and has an excellent staff to assist. Highly recommend!"

- Glenn J.

★★★★★

"Been looking for a dentist for a long time found Dr. Murphy and all I can say, it has been the most wonderful experience. He’s kind, friendly, and explains things and all the procedures. The staff is very friendly as well.."

- Jorge H.

★★★★★

"What a great a friendly staff! As stated in other reviews they really do care. I receive hand written letters and reminders in the mail of the details and explanations of the procedures. Dr. Murphy is very personable and has a great bedside manner. Highy recommended!"

- James B.

★★★★★

Schedule an Appointment Today

Symptoms

Gum disease doesn't hurt. Gum disease is not painful, but it can progress and cause more symptoms and, eventually, tooth loss.


Gum infection can cause:

  • Bad Breath
  • Bleeding when brushing or flossing
  • Gums can be inflamed or swollen and/or tender.
  • Root exposure and gum recession
  • Teeth that move or wiggle
  • Pus

The Connection between Mouth and Body

Researchers have found that bacteria and inflammation in the mouth can cause other diseases to develop in the body. Numerous studies have shown that treating gum diseases can boost the immune system's ability to fight other diseases.


  • Diabetes: Diabetes and periodontal disease interact. It can lead to diabetes complications and uncontrolled blood glucose. Diabetes patients are also more likely to suffer from gum disease. The periodontal treatment helps improve the immune system, which in turn improves diabetes complications.
  • Heart Disease and Strokes: Researchers have found that inflammation in the mouth can cause heart disease. Oral infections are more common in stroke victims.

A Special Offer for New Patients

If you or anyone in your family wants to become a new patient of Dr. Murphy’s, you can save money on the first visit! Get a free examination and x-rays when you schedule that initial visit. This is a $328 value, free of charge! (Some restrictions apply to this offer.) To schedule, please call our office today at (630) 793-0634.


In Batavia, we are located at 1605 West Wilson Street, just east of Ace Hardware. That’s just west of Batavia High School. We look forward to helping your entire family improve and maintain your dental health and beautiful smiles. 

PERIODONTAL EVALUATION

A yearly periodontal examination is recommended to check for signs and symptoms of gingivitis. The pocket depth is measured around the gums, and signs of inflammation or poor oral hygiene are checked. We use x-rays as well to check for bone loss.

Treatment

  • Preventive Cleaning (Prophylaxis)

    Patients with a healthy oral cavity can benefit from a preventative cleaning. The cleaning is done in the mouth and around teeth, followed by polishing using prophy paste. If there are any areas that need attention, oral hygiene instructions will be given.


  • Gingival Cleaning

    Patients with gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums, will need to undergo gingival cleaning. This involves cleaning around and in between teeth, as well as disinfection using antibiotic rinses. Then we will make sure that you know what areas are inflamed and how to clean those areas.


  • Treatment for Gum Infection

    The treatment of gum infection is used when there are signs of periodontitis and bone loss. It consists of a number of steps. We will then remove any plaque or bacteria above and below your gums after a proper diagnosis. We will also smooth, scale, and polish the root surfaces to prevent them from collecting plaque. We will then disinfect the area using antibiotic rinses. Then, we will focus on oral hygiene and how to maintain and clean your teeth correctly.


  • Re-evaluation

    Home care is the most important component of success. We recommend that you have a re-evaluation 6 weeks after the gum infection treatment to ensure you don't miss any areas when cleaning. Our hygienist can show you what you're missing and which tools you should use.


  • Frequency of Cleaning

    Research suggests that patients with periodontal disease and bone loss should be seen every three months by a dentist for an examination and cleaning. It has been determined that this frequency is the best way to stop further bone loss or the progression of disease. Everyone's response will be different because there are many different levels of compliance with home care.