Achieve Optimal Oral Health with Periodontal Disease Treatment

Gums anchor your teeth and prevent harmful bacteria from destroying the underlying bone. Periodontal health is vital to your oral and overall well-being. So, if you suspect gum disease, seek treatment immediately from A Brush Above Family Dentistry. Left untreated, gum disease causes tooth loss and increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, dementia, pneumonia, and other systemic illnesses. 

Do you suspect gum disease in Chicago, Illinois? Take action before it’s too late. Schedule an appointment with Drs. Marcella Guzman, Philip Fidel, and Rosa Sinno for periodontal treatment.

How does periodontal disease develop?

Although several factors can cause gum disease, poor oral hygiene is the common cause. Gum disease occurs when plaque and harmful bacteria build up in the mouth. When you fail to brush and floss your teeth, food debris mixes with harmful bacteria and saliva to form dental plaque.

Gum disease symptoms include redness, tenderness, and bleeding, especially when brushing teeth. Since these symptoms are mild, many patients tend to ignore them. Unfortunately, that’s where you may fall into the trap of periodontal disease. Left untreated, the infection grows deeper, causing bad breath and gum recession. Over time, the harmful bacteria break down the underlying bone, resulting in loose teeth that eventually fall out.

How is gum disease treated?

Before treating gum disease, the first step is to diagnose your infection to determine its severity. Besides analyzing your symptoms, we’ll use a periodontal probe to measure the depth between your teeth and gums. This depth (sulcus) is less than 3mm deep in healthy gums. When we get higher readings, it’s a sign of periodontal disease, and the higher the readings, the more severe the infection is.

Our office uses a conservative approach to treat periodontal disease. Sometimes, treating gum disease only requires routine cleanings and optimal oral hygiene. However, this only works for gingivitis, the earliest form of gum disease.

We recommend deep teeth cleaning for gum disease that is not responding to standard treatments. This periodontal treatment combines scaling and root planing to eliminate the infection and promote healing. Scaling removes unhealthy deposits (plaque and tartar) from the deep periodontal pockets, while planing polishes the roots to encourage gums to reattach to the teeth. Although rare, patients may need periodontal surgery and grafting services.

How can I prevent gum disease?

You can prevent periodontal disease by being proactive about your oral hygiene. Below are tips to keep your gums healthy.

  • Observe optimal oral hygiene: Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Ensure you reach every tooth surface by brushing for at least two minutes. Also, floss your teeth daily to remove plaque and food debris from areas inaccessible by your toothbrush. 
  • Watch your diet: Keep your gums hydrated and limit the intake of sugary foods. Ensure your diet is rich in veggies, dairy products, fruits, and other dental-friendly foods. 
  • Visit your dentist regularly: Visit your dentist at least twice annually for routine cleanings and check-ups.
  • Quit smoking: Tobacco products can diminish saliva production, which is essential for neutralizing acids and washing away food particles. This dryness and increased plaque buildup create an environment conducive to gum infections.

Do you need periodontal care?

Healthy gums provide lifetime benefits. So, if you want to maintain optimal periodontal health in Chicago, IL, it’s time to schedule a visit with A Brush Above Family Dentistry—call (773) 840-0378 to reserve an appointment.

Dr. Marcella Guzman is an admired dental professional

Dr. Marcella Guzman

Dr. Marcella Guzman is an admired dental professional renowned for her unwavering commitment to excellence in patient care, with a rich background in biology and sociology. Since graduating from The University of Illinois Dental School in 1994, she has enhanced her skills through extensive continuing education, specializing in cutting-edge technologies such as Cerec 3-D, sleep apnea, Invisalign, and laser dentistry. Her dedication to staying up-to-date on the latest advancements ensures that her patients receive top-notch care. A distinguished member of The American Dental Association and Chicago Dental Society, Dr. Guzman's wealth of experience, coupled with her compassionate approach, establishes her as a trusted specialist in the field of dentistry.   

Philip Fidel, DDS at Brush Above Family Dentistry in Chicago,
IL

Dr. Phillip Fidel

Philip Fidel, DDS, graduated from the University of California Davis in 1981 and attended Northwestern Dental School in Chicago. He has been providing exceptional dental care via private practice in Chicago ever since. Dr. Fidel believes learning is a never-ending process and has completed advanced training in CEREC 3-D technology, laser, and implant dentistry.

Rosa Sinno, DDS at Brush Above Family Dentistry in Chicago, IL

Dr. Rosa Sinno

Rosa Sinno, DDS, graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign and received her dental degree from the University of Illinois Dental School in 2006. After five years of practicing in Chicago, she moved to New York City, where she continued to treat patients and ran a successful office in Midtown Manhattan. She also followed a year-long intensive training program at the renowned Rosenthal Institute for Aesthetic Dentistry at NYU College of Dentistry. She has also completed training in Invisalign, CEREC 3-D technology, and laser dentistry. In 2017, Dr. Sinno moved back to her hometown of Chicago.

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Dr. Irbad Chowdhury at Brush Above Family Dentistry in Chicago, IL

Dr. Irbad Chowdhury

Irbad Chowdhury, DMD, DABOI, AFAAID, FAGD, FICD, FICOI, received his dental degree and completed his residency in Advanced Education in General Dentistry and Implant Fellowship at the Southern Illinois University (SIU) School of Dental Medicine. ​​He is board-certified in dental implants and is also an advanced dentistry expert. After completing his residency and private practice in Saint Louis, MO, Dr. Chowdhury moved to Chicago.

A former faculty and clinical professor at SIU School of Dental Medicine, he now serves as a clinical instructor/professor at Midwestern University Dental School.

Dr. Shoshana Center at Brush Above Family Dentistry in Chicago, IL

Dr. Shoshana Center

Shoshana Center, DMD, is a highly skilled dentist dedicated to providing exceptional dental care focusing on patient comfort and education. Since graduating from Southern Illinois School of Dental Medicine in 2022, she has specialized in Invisalign and CEREC 3-D technology for same-day crowns and onlays. Dr. Center is passionate about esthetic dentistry, including implant restoration, and is committed to staying at the forefront of dental advancements through continuous education. As a member of the American Dental Association and Illinois State Dental Society, she is trusted for her expertise and dedication to clinical excellence.

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All these providers aim to deliver exceptional patient care focused on health, function, comfort, and aesthetic beauty. They take pride in listening to patients’ concerns and tailoring each visit to their individual needs. Full patient-oriented dental care backed by patient-empowered decisions is what they intend to deliver in providing patients with the ultimate dental experience.