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.Â
- 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.Â
- 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
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.