Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a severe, and often looked over disease of the gums that can lead to the loss of teeth, infection, and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

Periodontitis starts as gingivitis when plaque buildup causes the gums to become tender and recede, and is often looked over by patients because the only noticeable symptoms are the tenderness and bleeding of gums. Once it is detected by your dentist or dental hygienist during a periodontal examination, periodontal disease treatment can begin.

Periodontal disease is easily preventable. Flossing regularly after your brush your teeth and seeing your dentist twice a year can not only help prevent periodontal disease, but help detect it early enough that it doesn’t do much damage and is easily treatable.

A balanced diet is also an integral part of maintaining the health of your teeth and gums. Smoking and dentures that do not fit correctly can also cause periodontal disease, so it is important to have periodontal examinations during your dental visits if you are a smoker, and it is always important to make sure your partial or denture fits well.

Symptoms of Periodontal disease including bleeding of the gums, loose teeth, new gaps between the teeth, pus around teeth and gums, receding, red, and puffy gums, and tenderness or discomfort of the gums. Your gums should never be swollen, pussy, or bleeding; if you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is important to see your dentist.

• Loss of teeth
• Increased risk of heart attack and stroke
• Infection
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Asthma

If infection from Periodontal disease becomes severe enough, it can enter the bloodstream, thus increasing your risk of respiratory and cardiovascular problems. Periodontal disease treatment includes antibiotics, scaling, and sometimes surgery in order to restore the gums.

Call Oak Brook Smiles today or schedule an appointment and have your gums treated.