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Periodontal (gum) disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis, or RA, are inflammatory disorders. Both diseases prompt the immune system to attack its own tissues. In advanced periodontal disease, the result can be tooth loss; in RA, the effect is painful and swollen joints. Learn about the connection and what you can do to protect your overall health.

Studies show a strong connection between periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Both involve inflammation, which is a protective immune system response to viruses and bacteria. RA is an autoimmune disease which causes it to mistakenly trigger inflammation even if there are no triggers present. Joint inflammation makes brushing and flossing challenging for some people with RA, in addition to many kinds of movement.

The connection between gum disease and arthritis, however, goes much deeper. In the journal PLoS Pathogens, researchers found that the bacteria that causes periodontal disease, porphyromonas gingivalis, prompts an earlier onset of rheumatoid arthritis and increases its severity and progression.

It is important for patients with rheumatoid arthritis to brush and floss twice a day, or as directed, and see the dentist regularly. If you have RA, it is also vital to work with your doctors to find out what treatments work best for you. People who have both gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis should have an informed care team composed of both a physician and a periodontist.

If you don’t have a periodontist, you should get an evaluation from your general dentist every year to monitor the status of your gums. Research has found that when patients with rheumatoid arthritis successfully treat gum disease, RA pain and other symptoms get better.

Patients with RA must pay close attention to oral health and schedule regular dental exams. They should also follow a healthy diet and carefully brush and floss. If you have RA and stiff hands or jaw make caring for your oral health difficult, speak to your dentist, hygienist, or occupational therapist about ways to make dental care easier. Here are some tips on how you can make dental care easier to manage:

• Toothbrush: You can add a tennis ball or bicycle grip to your brush for a more secure handle.
• Floss: Experiment with different types of floss, such as waxed, unwaxed, tape style or interdental brushes.
• Toothpaste: Using toothpaste in a pump may be easier for you than a tube you need to squeeze.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis, contact our periodontist office in Naperville, IL to schedule a consultation and learn what we can do to help you.

Gingivitis is among the most common oral health issues. It is especially prevalent in adults over 40. If it is left untreated, this early form of periodontal disease can lead to significant oral health issues. However, it can be effectively treated if it is caught soon enough. In many cases, it can be reversed. Here is what you need to know about gingivitis.

Signs and Symptoms of Gingivitis

Gingivitis often leads to swollen gums that appear red or purple, painful or tender. It can also involve bleeding when brushing and flossing. Bad breath (halitosis) is another frequent side-effect of gingivitis. A buildup of plaque or tartar is sometimes visible as well. Many people have gingivitis without knowing it, as symptoms do not always appear in the early stages.

Preventing Gingivitis

Gingivitis can usually be prevented through proper oral hygiene habits. Your best line of defense is brushing twice daily for two minutes each time. It is also essential to clean between your teeth daily by flossing. This helps to prevent the buildup of plaque and harmful bacteria. As plaque builds up near the gum line, gingivitis can develop.

Gingivitis Treatment

Gingivitis is the first of four stages of periodontal disease and the only one that can be completely reversed. If left untreated, it progresses to slight periodontal disease. This occurs when infection has spread and begun to attack the bone beneath. The second stage can be managed but not reversed. Moderate periodontal disease is the third stage. It results in deeper pockets around teeth which invite even more bacteria to attack the jawbones. Finally, advanced periodontal disease causes extreme sensitivity, loosened teeth, and bone loss.

It is easy to see why it is important to monitor your gum health regularly. Talk to our experienced periodontal team if you have experienced symptoms of gingivitis. If you smoke, have diabetes, are elderly, or take certain medications, you are at a higher risk for developing gingivitis. Be good to your gums by brushing twice each day and flossing daily.

Keeping your teeth free of plaque is the simplest way to keep your gums healthy. For questions about your periodontal health or to schedule a visit to our office, please contact our periodontist office in Naperville, IL.

Dental implants provide a long-term solution for tooth loss, and they can improve more than just your smile. Nearly 180 million American adults are missing at least one tooth and 40 million have lost all their permanent teeth, according to the American College of Prosthodontists.

Regardless of the cause, tooth loss can have serious consequences on your oral health, appearance, speech, diet, and self-esteem. If you are considering dental implant restorations, here are five ways they can change your life for the better:

• Dental implants can make you look younger. During early adulthood, the teeth and jawbone work together to support facial features. When teeth are lost, facial skin can crease or droop near the gaps. Jawbone deterioration can lead to reduced support, causing an unnaturally aged appearance.

• Dental implants can improve your speech. Missing teeth can leave gaps that cause vocal impediments. Dentures can be bulky or become loose, leading to discomfort, slurred speech, and embarrassment. Dental implants stay secure and do not take up additional space in the mouth, so you can speak naturally.

• Dental implants can help preserve your jawbone. The roots of teeth are naturally embedded in the jawbone. When the tooth and root are missing, your jaw’s bone structure can begin to deteriorate over time. Dental implants help to preserve and strengthen the bone, just as healthy natural teeth do.

• Dental implants keep your teeth in place. When a tooth is lost, the surrounding teeth can shift into the opening, distorting the shape of your smile and bite. Dental implants fill the gap and hold your surrounding teeth in their correct positions.
• Dental implants are secure and permanent. Unlike dentures or bridges, dental implants are surgically implanted in the jawbone, where they act as root substitutes for missing teeth. The titanium implant fuses with the jawbone, so it will not slip or dislodge. Implants also do not make noise or damage bone the way dentures or bridges can.

Dental implants can work wonders for your oral health and self-esteem. They look like natural teeth, restore your facial support and help preserve jawbone structure. They also improve your smile: Gaps in your teeth can leave you feeling self-conscious about your appearance. Studies show that feeling good about your smile boosts your confidence, alleviates loneliness, and improves your social life.

Dental implant restoration is a safe and modern way to restore your smile. To learn more about the benefits of dental implant restoration, contact our office in Naperville, IL for your consultation.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 47 percent of adults aged 30 and older have some form of periodontal disease; that rises to about 70 percent of adults over age 65. Gum diseases are linked to overall health as well as oral health, so it is vital to address them.

How Does Periodontal Disease Start?

Our mouths contain various types of bacteria. They can help sanitize the mouth and break down food particles; but too much can lead to periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. This can be dangerous to oral health because it not only attacks the gums; it can affect the teeth and jaw.

When bacteria collect in the mouth, they create a gummy, colorless substance known as plaque that sticks to your teeth. If the plaque is not removed during brushing and flossing, the particles can harden and turn into tartar. Over time, plaque and tartar become more difficult to remove at home. Therefore, a professional cleaning on a regular schedule can help prevent periodontal disease as well as tooth decay.

Why Treat Periodontal Disease Early

The longer the plaque and tartar remain on the teeth, the more harm they can cause your overall oral health. Eventually, they will inflame gum tissue, a condition known as gingivitis. While this is the mildest form of periodontal disease, it can progress to affect the soft tissue (gums) and the tooth. If it is not addressed, this condition can cause teeth to loosen or fall out. Periodontal disease is broken up into four stages: gingivitis, slight periodontal disease, moderate periodontal disease, and advanced periodontal disease.

What the Latest Gum Disease Research Shows Us

Having periodontal disease can affect your overall bodily health. Many studies show connections between gum disease, diabetes, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and dementia. Some studies have found a link between gum health and osteoporosis. This progressive bone-thinning disease, most common in small white and Asian women, can weaken jaw bones, making the effects of periodontal disease more pronounced.

Our doctor has solutions aimed at helping you prevent and treat the underlying causes of gum disease. Routine cleanings and periodontal screenings go a long way toward preventing gum disease and stopping its progression. If you have sore, red, or bleeding gums, make an appointment as soon as possible.

We offer targeted treatments that include cleaning the pockets around teeth to prevent damage to surrounding bone. In some cases, antibiotic therapy can be used. You will work with our doctor to find the best course of treatment for you.

Contact our team in Naperville, IL to schedule your next visit today, and protect your smile from periodontal disease.

If taking a swig of ice-cold water makes you recoil, it’s likely due to your sensitive teeth. What causes this unpleasant reaction? There are several reasons you may need treatment for sensitive teeth.

Naperville, IL 60540 Periodontist

Tooth sensitivity is usually influenced by the soft inner tissue beneath the enamel of your tooth called dentin. When extreme temperatures irritate the tooth nerve, you’ll feel a tingling sensation and sometimes pain.

Another cause of tooth sensitivity is when tiny tubes of fluid in the dentin become exposed. Sometimes this occurs due to receding gums lines or damaged teeth. If this happens, pain can be triggered by foods that are too hot or cold, too sweet or acidic, or simply from contact or exposure to air.

Temporary tooth sensitivity can also be caused by whitening or orthodontic treatments. This type of sensitivity will often dissipate in a couple weeks. However, in severe cases, the tooth nerve itself may be exposed. This causes severe pain and irritation and will require immediate treatment.

What Can I Do to Treat Tooth Sensitivity?

If your teeth are becoming increasingly sensitive, contact our office for immediate care. Our team will likely screen for underlying causes requiring treatment. We’ll also be able to recommend the best method to manage your discomfort.

How Can I Prevent Teeth Sensitivity?

Oversensitivity in teeth can sometimes be prevented. Try to avoid hard-bristled toothbrushes and don’t brush too aggressively. Brushing too hard can damage enamel and expose other sensitive areas. Additionally, wearing a mouthguard while playing contact sports protects teeth from trauma. Teeth will become more sensitive after being chipped or cracked.

After you rule out serious underlying conditions, you can start to manage mildly sensitive teeth with a special toothpaste designed to decrease sensitivity. If that doesn’t provide enough relief, ask about a prescription product.

Contact our 60540 periodontal office if you suffer from any level of tooth sensitivity and we will get you the help you need.