When Stacey came in to our Orland Park dentist office she didn’t know exactly what was wrong with her teeth, but she had definitely noticed a change in her smile. She felt like she couldn’t freshen her breath no matter what she did, and her gum tissue was suddenly starting to bleed every time she brushed and flossed. What was going on?
After a thorough examination, our dental team determined that Stacey was suffering from gum disease. She exhibited many of the classic symptoms of periodontal disease, including:
· Chronic bad breath
· Swollen, red gum tissue
· Bleeding gums—especially when eating tough foods, brushing, or flossing
Luckily, Stacey’s gum disease wasn’t yet severe, she hadn’t gotten to the point of suffering from:
· Loose teeth
· Tooth loss
· Bone deterioration
We were able to help stop the progression of Stacey’s gum disease so that her mouth would have a chance to heal. We started by thoroughly cleaning Stacey’s teeth and gums, as built up plaque and tartar were the cause of her infection.
Then we revamped her at-home dental routine to help her fight gum disease at home. Stacey decided to start using a sonic toothbrush for a more thorough cleaning, and she committed to flossing at least once a day again. We also added an antimicrobial mouthwash to her routine—this not only boosted her bacteria-fighting power, it also helped to freshen her breath each time she used it.
Now, a year later, Stacey’s smile is looking cleaner and healthier than ever before. And best of all, she’s stopped experiencing the uncomfortable, inconvenient symptoms of periodontal disease.
Dealing with periodontal disease is an ongoing process—it takes regular maintenance to keep a healthy mouth. If you’re ready to get started with preventative and restorative dental treatments, give our Tinley Park dentist office a call today!