How Does Poor Oral Health Impact Your Overall Health? Here's How.

At any age, poor oral health can eventually lead to periodontal disease (gum disease), a chronic inflammatory disease which has been linked to a long list of inflammatory conditions including:

• diabetes
• heart disease
• stroke
• cancer
• respiratory diease
• Alzheimer's Disease
• rheumatoid arthritis
• osteoporosis

Approximately 75% of adults have some form of gum disease. Research suggests that it can be transferred to other s via saliva, so a simple kiss or just sharing a snack or even blowing on food can be enough to put your child or significant other at risk of transmission. 

Gum disease is often silent- progressing without symptoms - but warning signs may include swollen, red, or bleeding gums, mouth infections and tenderness, bad breath, and loose teeth. The good news is that gum disease can almost always be prevented, sometimes reversed. 

It's important for the whole family to commit to a good oral healthcare regimen, including regular dental checkups. The dentist will check for signs of this disease and recommend any necessary courses of action for treatment. As a dentist in Park Ridge, I never recommend unnecessary treatment for patients and I know any other good dentist will be the same way. 

If you are in Chicago, then contact Rubino Dentistry, a Chicagoland dentist, who performs general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, tooth crowns, and more. 

7 Diseases That Can Be Triggered by Gum Disease

No disease acts alone and gum disease is no exception. How can gum disease affect your body? In many ways, in fact, there are seven other diseases that can accompany gum disease.

Did you know that gingivitis can affect up to 75 percent of us in our lifetime? In fact, many medical studies show that 30 percent of us may actually be genetically predisposed to developing it.

Gum disease is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene, gum disease can progress to periodontitis, a chronic infection of the gums. This is because it can advance without giving off any symptoms, it is sometimes called the "silent disease". Why is this a cause for concern? IT's suspected that periodontal disease sets off the body's inflammatory response and can exacerbate symptoms of other serious inflammatory diseases.

So what are the other diseases?

• heart disease
• stroke
• cancer
• respiratory disease
• osteoporosis
• rheumatoid arthritis
• diabetes

This is why you shouldn't skip your regular dental checkups during which we can monitor your oral health effectively. If you're expecting a child or considering becoming pregnant, check in with us at our Park Ridge dental office as gum disease has been linked to pregnancy complications such as premature birth.

It is essential that you practice good home care and visit Rubino Dentistry for regular checkups. Call us today and get an appointment scheduled. We at Rubino, a Chicago dental office, are here to help you take care of your oral health and overall health.

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing (SRP) remains the cornerstone of periodontal therapy for gum disease (gingivitis). SRP is usually accomplished under local or topical anesthetic to allow the therapist to meticulously clean root surfaces, remove chronic inflammatory irritants under your gums, and eliminate the bacteria involved in active gum disease. In addition to the mechanical removal of calculus (tartar), some scar tissue adherent to the tartar and roots may be removed in a non-surgical manner. As a result, the bacteria imbedded in these irritants is also removed, producing a much healthier environment for the gums, roots, and bone to heal.

We use an antimicrobial gel, called Arestin, in those areas where there is bone loss  and pockets over 5 mm which remains under your gums for about 1 week. This was a key addition to eliminate the bacteria most often involved in reoccurrence of gum disease. As a result, we do far fewer surgeries than was necessary 15 years ago.

After administration of anesthetics, the other areas of your mouth not being treated under the gums are scaled ultrasonically. Once this is complete, the target areas are cleaned ultrasonically, with hand instruments, and again ultrasonically. The second ultrasonic cleaning sprays a special antibacterial rinse (chlorhexidine) through the tip to flush debris out of your gums and kill bacteria. Then the Arestin gel is injected under your gums where needed. You will not be able to feel it and it dissolves over time. Wait 10 days to floss or WaterPik in the areas your therapist advised the Arestin was placed.

You will be given the same antibacterial rinse, called Periogard, in a home use bottle and will be instructed in its use. Your participation with meticulous home care is very important! If you smoke, stopping or reducing to less than five cigarettes per day will be very beneficial.

Post treatment symptoms are often minimal. Some gum soreness, hot-cold sensitivity, and possible minor tooth soreness can be expected, but last only a few days in most cases. During this time, following home care recommendations and the use of the chlorhexidine rinse not only helps keep you comfortable, but also contributes to the healing and final result. Brush and floss all of your teeth, including the treated area (although gently there unless otherwise directed). If you have a WaterPik for you chlorhexidine use as directed. Discomfort can be controlled by taking Ibuprofen, Aleve, or Tylenol as needed.

If you have any questions, then contact Rubino Dentistry. We are a Park Ridge dental practice and have great knowledge about this subject and can help you with any curiosity about it.