When you’re young, your gums generally start off pink and healthy. But as you age, the tissue can become damaged, and you can end up with dark gums that interfere with your smile. If you’re interested in periodontal therapy in Chicago, we’ll look at what to expect (and how it can help you boost your larger oral health).

What Gums Darken Over Time

Gums typically darken due to anything from smoking to health conditions. For example, if you have gum disease, the build-up of bacteria and debris can cause tissue damage that eventually impacts the gum’s color.

If you’ve been struggling with gum disorders, it’s important to treat the problem sooner than later. The longer you let it go, the more likely your gums will begin to wear down — and the more likely you are to weaken your teeth.

How Periodontal Therapy Works

Periodontal therapy is a general term that can refer to anything from cleaning to surgery. As a rule, most periodontal therapy will not change your appearance, though that can be a fringe benefit of the therapy. For instance, surgery can remove infection and treat your bones, which can lead to pinker gums after you heal.

If you’re looking for a specific treatment to light your gums, services like gum bleaching or depigmentation can treat the damaged top layer to reveal the healthier layer beneath. While often considered largely cosmetic treatments, it can give you an easy way to address damage that may have been building up for years.

Find Gum Treatments in Chicago

Your gums are a critical component to your oral health, and it’s important to treat them with just as much care and respect as you would your teeth or jaw. Healthy gums don’t just hold your teeth in place, they protect the roots and bone from damage.

Whether you’ve noticed a change in color or you just have a history (family or otherwise) of gum disease, seeing the right dentist in Chicago can make a big difference in your oral health. At Mindful Dental, we can help you find treatments that make you look and feel a whole lot better about your smile.