Many people assume that their teeth and gums are healthy if they don’t feel any pain in their mouth. However, early stages of gum disease usually develop without discomfort to warn you that there’s a problem.
At Moskin Dental Associates in Lincoln Square, Chicago, Illinois, Kimberly Chan, DDS, Jeannie Moskin, DDS, and our team help patients catch these silent issues before they become big problems. Through routine dental hygiene (teeth cleanings), we protect your smile from long-term damage.
Regular dental visits are your best defense against hidden infections. Here’s what you should know.
Gum disease is typically a silent condition that destroys the tissues supporting your teeth without causing pain. You might not notice symptoms until the infection reaches an advanced stage — periodontal disease — that can seriously affect gum and bone tissue.
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research reports that 42.2% of US adults age 30 and older have periodontitis. This means millions of people live with active gum infections without realizing it.
The dentists and hygienists at Moskin Dental Associates look past the surface during your routine dental checkup. We know to look for warning signs like redness, swelling, or bleeding that you might miss at home — and it’s much easier to address the problem in its early stages.
Professional cleanings physically remove hardened plaque, known as tartar, which you can’t brush away at home. Only professional dental tools can safely scrape this hardened material away, and this cleaning stops harmful bacteria from traveling deeper under your gums.
Our team uses specialized instruments to gently clear away tartar from hard-to-reach areas. If we find signs of active infection, we offer targeted treatments for periodontal disease to restore your oral health.
During your visit, we use advanced diagnostic tools to measure your gum health and check the bone levels around your teeth. These steps allow us to find hidden tissue loss before it causes permanent damage.
A study published in Diagnostics in 2024 found that dental X-rays have a 60%-90% sensitivity for detecting bone loss in adults. This makes imaging essential for catching deep, hidden damage.
The American Dental Association recommends that dentists customize the frequency of your cleanings based on your personal risk factors. Dr. Chan tailors your care plan to your specific oral health needs.
During your exam, we typically check:
Taking care of your gums is just as important as protecting your teeth. Don’t wait for pain to schedule your next visit. To keep your smile healthy and bright, schedule a visit with Moskin Dental Associates today.
