Periodontics in Buffalo Grove, IL

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. It begins with gum irritation and inflammation. When gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis. Signs of gum disease include bleeding of the gums when brushing and flossing, as well as pain, swelling, and redness of the gums.

As the disease progresses irreversible tissue damage can occur, eventually causing the gums to pull away from the teeth as bacteria flourishes below the gumline. Left untreated, gum disease can form deep pockets of infection, which can cause shifting or loose teeth. It is important to be proactive with periodontal treatment in the earliest stages to avoid severe dental issues later on.

Gum disease is caused by plaque that forms on the teeth and below the gums. This film of bacteria can get trapped in pockets beneath the gumline and lead to bone and tooth loss. Scaling and root planing, also known as deep cleaning, is often recommended in these cases. 

Dental deep cleaning is most effective when gum disease is caught in the early stages, which is why regular dental exams are recommended.

Scaling is the process of removing the tartar and plaque both above and below the gumline. Root planing involves deep cleaning teeth, causing the root surface to smooth and allow gingival reattachment. Periodontal cleaning creates a less favorable environment for plaque accumulation and leads to disease stabilization.

Several studies have shown there is a link between periodontal disease and heart disease. Research indicates that the presence of periodontal disease can increase the risk of heart disease; it is believed that inflammation caused by periodontal disease may be responsible for this association.

Studies have also pointed out an additional relationship between periodontal disease and strokes. In one study that looked at oral infections as a risk factor for strokes, and a possible causal relationship between the two, it was determined that those who were diagnosed with acute cerebrovascular ischemia were more likely to have an oral infection than those who were not.

Our staff offers a full spectrum of dental services to manage infection in the teeth and tissues of your mouth. Patients are more likely to have periodontal disease if they also have diabetes, likely due to the fact that they are more susceptible to contracting infections. Periodontal disease is even considered a complication of diabetes, due to the frequency of these cases. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you should work with us closely to avoid dental complications.

Research has also suggested that periodontal disease may make controlling your blood sugar more difficult for patients with diabetes.

Severe periodontal disease can increase blood sugar, and increase the amount of time when the body is functioning with high blood sugar, putting patients with diabetes at a higher risk for complications. If you are diabetic or pre-diabetic, talk to us about the periodontal treatment options to help protect your teeth and gums.

Tobacco users also are at an increased risk for periodontal disease. Studies have shown that tobacco use may be one of the most significant risk factors in the development and progression of periodontal disease.

Pregnant women who have periodontal disease are more likely to have a baby that is born prematurely and underweight. However, more research is needed to confirm how periodontal disease affects pregnancy outcomes.

The American Dental Association recommends that women considering pregnancy have a periodontal evaluation. Call us at Beyer Dental to learn more.