At Arden Dental Center in Wheaton, IL, Dr. Wen Lu, D.D.S., and our compassionate team are dedicated to helping patients achieve optimal oral health at every stage of life. One of the most common oral health concerns we treat is gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. While regular dental cleanings play a crucial role in maintaining healthy teeth and gums, they often aren’t enough if you already suffer from gingivitis or a more advanced form of gum disease.

In this article, we’ll explore why regular dental cleanings are not sufficient on their own to treat gum disease, what additional treatments are necessary, and how to recognize early gingivitis symptoms and prevention in Wheaton, IL, to avoid long-term damage to your smile.

---

Understanding Gum Disease: More Than Just Sore Gums

Gum disease is a chronic infection of the tissues that support your teeth. It begins with gingivitis, the mildest form of gum disease, and can progress to periodontitis, which affects the deeper structures of your mouth, including bone.

Gingivitis Symptoms often include:

• Red, swollen gums
• Bleeding when brushing or flossing
• Persistent bad breath
• Mild tenderness

Without treatment, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, leading to:

• Gum recession
• Deep periodontal pockets
• Tooth mobility or loss
• Bone deterioration

One of the reasons gum disease is so dangerous is because it’s often painless in the early stages. Many people believe they’re in good oral health simply because they aren’t in pain—until it’s too late.

---

Regular Cleanings vs. Deep Cleanings: What’s the Difference?

Many patients visit their dentist every six months for a routine cleaning (also called prophylaxis), which is essential for removing plaque and tartar buildup above the gumline. This type of cleaning is ideal for people with healthy gums or very mild gingivitis. However, once gum disease is present, standard cleaning is no longer enough.

If you have been diagnosed with gingivitis or periodontitis, Dr. Wen Lu may recommend scaling and root planing (SRP), commonly referred to as deep cleaning. This involves:

Scaling: Removing plaque and tartar from beneath the gumline.

Root Planing: Smoothing the root surfaces to help gums reattach to the teeth and prevent bacteria from collecting again.

Unlike regular cleanings, deep cleanings target the source of infection and inflammation inside the gums and tooth roots. Contact us to learn more.

---

Why Regular Cleanings Alone Can’t Stop Gum Disease

They Only Address the Surface

Regular dental cleanings are excellent for keeping your smile polished and healthy, but they don’t address the bacteria and tartar buildup below the gumline, which is where gum disease thrives. Once tartar hardens under the gums, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria that cannot be removed with routine brushing or superficial cleaning.

They Don’t Treat the Infection

Gum disease is essentially a bacterial infection. To effectively treat it, we must reduce the bacterial load in the pockets around your teeth. Regular cleanings don’t reach into these deep pockets, and they certainly don’t treat the infection itself. A deep cleaning, combined with possible antimicrobial therapy, is necessary to halt disease progression.

They Don’t Reverse Damage

If you have moderate to advanced periodontitis, you may already have experienced gum recession and bone loss. Regular cleanings do not address this damage. In these cases, you may need more advanced treatments such as:

• Laser therapy
• Antibiotic gels
• Gum grafts
• Bone regeneration procedures

---

How to Tell If You Need More Than a Regular Cleaning

So, how do you know if you have gum disease and need more than a standard dental cleaning? The earlier you can identify the signs, the easier it is to treat the condition.

Common Gingivitis Symptoms and Prevention in Wheaton, IL, include:

• Gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing
• Chronic bad breath
• Gums that appear swollen, red, or shiny
• A change in how your teeth fit together
• Pus between teeth and gums
• Loose or shifting teeth

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s essential to seek professional evaluation at Arden Dental Center. Dr. Wen Lu will conduct a thorough examination, which may include periodontal probing and X-rays to assess bone loss.

---

How Dr. Wen Lu Treats Gum Disease at Arden Dental Center

At Arden Dental Center, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Every patient’s periodontal health is different. Depending on your needs, Dr. Wen Lu may recommend a combination of the following treatments:

Scaling and Root Planing

This deep cleaning procedure is often the first line of defense and can greatly reduce inflammation and bacterial infection when caught early.

Locally Applied Antibiotics

In some cases, we may place antibiotic gel or microspheres directly into the periodontal pockets to reduce infection.

Laser Gum Therapy

Laser technology allows us to gently disinfect the gum tissue and remove diseased areas with minimal discomfort and recovery time.

Ongoing Periodontal Maintenance

After initial treatment, patients with a history of gum disease will need to return more frequently for periodontal maintenance cleanings, usually every 3–4 months. This schedule helps manage the disease and prevent relapse.

---

Gingivitis Prevention: What You Can Do at Home

While professional care is essential, your at-home oral hygiene routine is the first line of defense against gum disease.

Here are our top tips for gingivitis prevention in Wheaton, IL:

• Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss at least once a day to remove plaque between teeth.
• Use an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce oral bacteria.
• Avoid tobacco products, which increase your risk of periodontal disease.
• Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins A and C to support gum health.
• Keep up with your routine dental visits, even if your gums feel fine.

Prevention starts with awareness. If you know the early warning signs and take proactive steps, you can often stop gingivitis from developing into periodontitis.

---

The Systemic Link: Gum Disease and Your Overall Health

One of the most alarming aspects of gum disease is its connection to systemic health issues. Research has shown that periodontal disease is linked to:

• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Stroke
• Respiratory infections
• Pregnancy complications

When you treat gum disease, you’re not just protecting your smile—you’re safeguarding your overall health. This is especially important for patients with underlying medical conditions, who are at higher risk for complications.

---

Gum Disease Doesn’t Go Away on Its Own

Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that gum disease is progressive and chronic. Left untreated, it will not improve with time or regular brushing. In fact, it can worsen without proper intervention.

While regular cleanings are an important part of oral hygiene, they are not enough if gum disease is already present. The only way to stop the progression and preserve your teeth is through targeted, professional periodontal care.

---

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Gum Health

If you’ve noticed signs like bleeding gums, bad breath, or gum sensitivity, don’t wait. Gum disease can be managed—and often reversed—when caught early. At Arden Dental Center in Wheaton, IL, Dr. Wen Lu and our caring team are here to help you get back on the road to a healthy smile.

We believe in empowering our patients through education, prevention, and personalized treatment plans. Don’t rely on regular cleanings alone—schedule a comprehensive periodontal exam today, and let us help you protect your smile for life.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Contact Arden Dental Center in Wheaton, IL, to schedule an exam or periodontal consultation with Dr. Wen Lu, D.D.S. We are proud to be your trusted provider for gingivitis symptoms and prevention in Wheaton, IL, and we’re here to help you achieve and maintain excellent oral health.

Schedule an appointment with Arden Dental Center to learn more about taking care of your oral health. We are located at 531 E. Roosevelt Road, Suite 100, Wheaton, IL 60187. Contact our team at (630) 529-0303 or visit our website to book a consultation.