Problem: “I have gum receding around a crown. The tooth root feels sensitive when heat or cold comes in contact with it, and the crown itself looks unhealthy. Solution: “Your problem is more common than you might think, and treatment is possible. You need to find a dentist who can perform a gum graft to… Read more »
A gum problem (periodontal disease) is a chronic infection of the gums. It is caused by bacterial plaque that accumulates on teeth and destroys the gums. Plaque can accumulate on teeth if proper oral hygiene habits are not observed, although some people are simply more prone to plaque buildup than others. Various medications and health… Read more »
Generally speaking, when people think about poor smile quality, they think about issues with teeth. With that said, some patients will actually have issues because of their gums of the upper jaw. When the amount of gum tissue exposure is too great when you smile, it is called a gummy smile. If you have too… Read more »
Did your dentist ever really show you how to remove plaque from your teeth? Dental plaque is the sticky, uncomfortable biofilm that forms around your gum line just hours after brushing your teeth. It’s the product of hundreds of types of oral bacteria gathering in your mouth. When left unattended, it can quickly calcify into… Read more »
Your gums are crucial for supporting the roots and crowns of your teeth. Their soft tissues offer protection from harmful oral bacteria in plaque and extreme temperature fluctuations. They also play an active role in keeping teeth firmly in place and aligned. Therefore, gum recession, or shrinking gum lines, is an issue that must be… Read more »
Most dental patients only talk about the topic of dental plaque with their dentists. What they might not realize is that dental plaque has positive qualities, as well as downsides. If you have never considered the role that dental plaque plays in keeping teeth healthy, read on to discover some interesting facts that most individuals… Read more »
Can I have a nice smile again after recovery from periodontal disease ? Once you recover from periodontal disease and have your oral health fully managed, you may ask yourself: Is there anything you can do to make your smile look the way it used to look? Dealing with significant damage may cause you to… Read more »
You have heard multiple times that a gum lift can help with a “gummy smile.” However, you’re not convinced that this is your problem. As a result, you don’t really know if coming in to talk with us is going to be the best idea or not. First, let us remind you that it’s always… Read more »
Some dental health issues are only obvious once you know you have them. Until then, the symptoms may not seem serious, especially if they don’t include pain in and around a tooth. For instance, if you notice a small amount of blood mixed in with your saliva when you brush and floss your teeth, you… Read more »
Most patients understand that they need a dentist to diagnose and make recommendations for gum issues. Having said that, it is good to have an idea of the visible signs of gum disease. Gum disease is the second most common dental health issue for adults in the U.S. It isn’t because the disease is inevitable… Read more »
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease Do you know the symptoms of early gum problems, known as gingivitis, or even what it is? Many people know that overly sensitive or deeply stained teeth can be warning signs of dental cavities. Yet people rarely know the early indicators of gingivitis, which is the earliest… Read more »
Typically, the gums are meant to delicately frame the teeth. The gum tissue naturally forms a symmetrical scallop above the crowns of your teeth. When the scallop shape is unbalanced or uneven due to gum recession or excess tissue, it will draw the observer’s eye. Gum contouring can be done by adding tissue with grafts… Read more »
Other than tooth decay, periodontitis is the leading threat to dental health. Numerous studies have indicated a link between dental health, mental health, and your overall health. Poor oral health has been associated with heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and lung infections. In the old days when no links to systemic issues were know, tooth… Read more »
Over the past few years, research has emerged touting the many oral health benefits of green tea. According to numerous studies, the soothing, warm elixir can lower your risk for a range of systemic diseases, including cardiovascular disorders and diabetes. Additionally, many health and beauty experts claim that green tea helps treat acne and calm… Read more »
Over 75% of American adults exhibit symptoms of gingivitis. If left untreated, this common disorder often develops into periodontal disease, or gum disease. In today’s blog, we explain the link between gingivitis and gum disease.
When people consider cosmetic dentistry to improve their smile, they rarely consider their gums. While Americans spend over 1.4 billion dollars a year on teeth whitening systems, over 75% of the country has some sort of gum problem and 47% of adults have gum disease. In today’s blog, Lake Forest cosmetic dentist, Dr. James Fondriest,… Read more »
Research from the Journal of Periodontology suggests women are more likely to floss, and visit the dentist regularly. They are less likely to smoke and drink excessive alcohol than men. Women have more cosmetic dental procedures while having less tooth decay. Although women have historically been better caretakers of their teeth, females are more susceptible to… Read more »
More than 70 percent of Americans struggle with gum problems. From gingivitis, or simple gum inflammation, to periodontitis, an acute form of the disease, unhealthy gums lead to various health issues. Not only does gum disease lead to cavities and tooth loss, studies now link it to heart disease, stroke, preterm birth, and diabetes. Unhealthy… Read more »
Gum Disease Treatment in Chicago One of the worst things you can do for your oral health is ignoring the signs of gum disease. Leaving gingivitis untreated can lead to periodontitis. The advanced stages of gum disease include gingival recession, extreme tooth sensitivity, and possible tooth loss. While gum disease is not curable, the progression of… Read more »
When too much gum shows in your smile, there are several treatment options available. Current estimates indicate that up to seven percent of men and fourteen percent of women have excessive amounts of gum tissue or smiles that appear “gummy.” Excess gum tissue creates a disproportionate appearance of a patient’s smile by covering more… Read more »
It has been theorized since the 1920s that heart disease and gum disease are linked. Recent research has indicated links not only between heart disease and oral health, but between oral health and diabetes, hypertension, lung infections, and dementia. Although the links are not perfectly clear, research continues to try to narrow down specifics as… Read more »
Receding gums is a common dental problem, but it is also among the lesser known conditions. Receding gums can also be referred to as gingival recession. Let us examine the causes of this condition and the treatments. What causes receding gums? There are several causes that can contribute to recession. It’s important to work with… Read more »
Do you skip flossing, or is it difficult because of dexterity issues, spacing between your teeth, or dental work? If you hate flossing or find that it isn’t effective, you’re not alone. Dr. James Fondriest, a Chicago dentist, recommends interdental brushing (also called using a proxy brush) as a fantastic, and often better, alternative to… Read more »