Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. At North Dental Professionals, Dr. Paul Chaiken and our experienced team treat gum disease with proven techniques that stop the infection, restore your oral health, and protect your teeth for the long term. We see patients at both our Chicago location on Milwaukee Avenue in Jefferson Park and our Skokie office. We make expert periodontal care convenient, no matter where you live on the northwest side.
Dr. Chaiken has been treating gum disease for over 30 years. He knows that early intervention makes all the difference. Whether you’re dealing with early gingivitis or advanced periodontal disease, we’ll address your specific needs and get your gums healthy again. Our restorative dentistry services can also repair damage caused by gum disease.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection of the gum tissue. It starts when plaque builds up along the gumline. The bacteria in plaque irritate your gums, causing inflammation and infection. If left untreated, the infection can spread below the gumline, damaging the bone that supports your teeth.
In its early stage, called gingivitis, gum disease is reversible with professional cleaning and improved home care. But if it progresses to periodontitis, the damage becomes more serious. Your gums may pull away from your teeth, creating deep pockets where more bacteria collect. Over time, you can lose bone and even teeth.
Gum disease is treatable at most stages. The key is catching it early and getting the right care.
Do My Bleeding Gums Mean I Have Gum Disease?
Not necessarily, but they’re definitely a warning sign. Your gums might bleed if you brush too hard or if you’re starting to floss regularly again. But if your gums bleed frequently, look red or puffy, or feel tender, you likely have gingivitis.
Gingivitis is the early, reversible stage of gum disease. With professional cleanings and better brushing and flossing habits, you can usually get your gums back to full health. If you ignore the symptoms, though, gingivitis can progress into more serious periodontal disease that causes permanent damage.
If your gums bleed often, don’t wait. Schedule an exam with Dr. Chaiken at either our Chicago or Skokie location to evaluate your gum health and catch any problems early.
Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease
Gum disease doesn’t always cause pain in the early stages, which is why many people don’t realize they have it. Watch for these common warning signs:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Persistent bad breath that doesn’t go away
- Gums that are pulling away from your teeth, making your teeth look longer
- Deep pockets are forming between your teeth and gums
- Loose teeth or changes in how your teeth fit together when you bite
- Pain or discomfort when chewing
During your exam, Dr. Chaiken will carefully check for these symptoms. He’ll measure the depth of the pockets around your teeth and look for signs of bone loss. This thorough evaluation helps us determine the stage of gum disease and develop the most effective treatment plan.
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How We Treat Gum Disease
Treatment depends on the disease’s stage. Our goal is always to eliminate the infection, stop the progression, and help your gums heal. We offer several proven treatment options at both our Chicago and Skokie offices.
Professional Dental Cleanings
For early-stage gum disease, professional cleanings are often all you need. Our hygienists remove the plaque and tartar that regular brushing can’t reach. These cleanings eliminate the bacteria causing the infection and give your gums a chance to heal.
If you have active gum disease, we’ll recommend more frequent cleanings every three to four months instead of the usual twice a year. These maintenance cleanings keep the infection under control and prevent it from getting worse.
Scaling and Root Planing
When gum disease has progressed beyond gingivitis, you’ll need a deeper cleaning called scaling and root planing. This is a non-surgical treatment that cleans below the gumline where regular cleanings can’t reach.
During scaling, we remove all the plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces and from inside the gum pockets. Root planing smooths the tooth roots, which helps your gums reattach and reduces pocket depth. This treatment is typically done with a local anesthetic, so you stay comfortable throughout the procedure.
Most patients see significant improvement after scaling and root planing. Your gums become healthier, inflammation goes down, and pocket depths decrease. We’ll schedule follow-up visits to monitor your progress and make sure the infection is under control.
Antibiotic Therapy
Sometimes we recommend antibiotics to help fight the bacterial infection. We might prescribe oral antibiotics or place medication directly into the gum pockets after a deep cleaning. These antibiotics work alongside your other treatments to eliminate bacteria and promote healing.
Preventing Gum Disease
Once we’ve treated your gum disease, the focus shifts to prevention. With good home care and regular professional cleanings, you can keep your gums healthy for life.
Brush twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Pay special attention to the gumline where plaque tends to accumulate. Floss every day to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and below the gumline. This is where gum disease often starts, so flossing is critical.
Use an alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash to reduce bacteria in your mouth. Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals that support gum health. Limit sugary foods and drinks that feed harmful bacteria. Don’t smoke or use tobacco products. Smoking weakens your immune system and makes it much harder to fight gum infections.
Most importantly, keep your regular dental appointments. Even with excellent home care, you need professional cleanings to remove tartar and catch early signs of problems. Dr. Chaiken can spot issues before they become serious and help you maintain healthy gums long term.
Why Choose North Dental Professionals?
Dr. Chaiken brings over 30 years of experience treating gum disease. He’s completed advanced training in periodontal therapy and stays current with the latest evidence-based treatments. As an assistant clinical professor at Northwestern University School of Medicine, he’s recognized as a leader in the dental community.
Our patients appreciate his thorough, gentle approach. He takes time to explain your condition, answer your questions, and make sure you understand your treatment options. His goal isn’t just to treat gum disease but to help you maintain optimal oral health for life.
Convenient Locations in Chicago and Skokie
We make it easy to get the gum disease treatment you need with two locations serving the northwest Chicago area. Our Chicago office is located at 5953 N Milwaukee Avenue in Jefferson Park, with free parking available. Our Skokie office provides the same expert care in a convenient suburban setting.
Whether you’re dealing with bleeding gums, gum recession, or advanced periodontal disease, we’re here to help.
Contact North Dental Professionals today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Chaiken. Call our Chicago office at 708-274-4192 or our Skokie office at 224-267-8083. You can also request an appointment online. Your healthier smile starts here.