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Bells Corners Family Dentistry
Bells Corners Family Dentistry

Periodontal Treatment

Gums and Overall Health

We all know that prevention is one of the keys to maintaining overall health.

We exercise and watch what we eat to help reduce our risk of heart attack, stroke and certain cancers. In the same way, we should take good care of our oral health now to prevent gum disease and tooth loss later.

Why is this so important? The reasons are much more than cosmetic. While we once believed the worst outcome of gum disease was tooth loss, we now know that oral health matters from head to toe.

periodontal (gum and bone) disease may be a risk factor for a number of serious health conditions. In recent studies, gum disease has been linked to:

  • heart disease and stroke
  • pneumonia and other respiratory diseases
  • diabetes
  • premature, low birth weight deliveries
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Top Reasons

Why Choose Us

Experienced & Gentle Dentists
Modern Technology
Flexible Appointments
Transparent Pricing
Personalized Treatment Plans
Sterile & Safe Facility

How Gum Disease Develops

Gum disease affects up to 75% of adults over 30 and begins when bacteria form a sticky film called plaque along the gum line. If not removed, plaque hardens into tartar, leading to irritation and inflammation known as gingivitis. At this stage, gums may appear red, swollen, and bleed easily. Without treatment, it can progress to periodontitis, where the gums pull away from the teeth and the bone and tissue that support them begin to break down. Over time, this can lead to loose teeth or even tooth loss.

Beyond the mouth, gum disease has been linked to several serious health conditions. Research shows connections between periodontal disease and heart disease, diabetes, stroke, Alzheimer’s, and respiratory illnesses like COPD and pneumonia. Chronic inflammation caused by gum disease may also affect the body’s immune and brain function.

Keeping your gums healthy doesn’t just protect your smile — it supports your overall health and wellbeing.
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Because You Deserve The Best Care When it Comes to Periodontal Dentistry

How is this possible? For those with gum disease, the simple act of brushing the teeth or chewing can injure gum tissue, allowing bacteria to enter the bloodstream. It is believed that these bacteria may travel to other parts of the body, potentially worsening or causing other types of health problems.

Gums With Other's Disease

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Gum Disease and Diabetes

We have learned that people with diabetes are more prone to a variety of bacterial infections, including gum disease, than people without diabetes. Indeed, the relationship between gum disease and diabetes may be even stronger. Having gum disease may in fact worsen an existing case of diabetes, or put you at increased risk for the complications associated with diabetes.
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heart

Gum Disease and Your Heart

Research suggests gum disease may put you at increased risk of heart disease and stroke. In fact, according to some studies, the presence of gum disease could be a significant risk factor, comparable to smoking, family history and elevated cholesterol. It is also believed that gum disease may contribute to infective endocarditis, a condition in which the interior lining of the heart and heart valves become inflamed, possibly due to a bacterial infection. If left untreated, this condition could lead to a fatal infection.
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lungs

Gum Disease and Your Lungs

Traditionally, we have thought of smoking, advanced age and the presence of other health conditions that weaken the immune system as risk factors for lung disease. But scientists now believe that gum disease may also be a significant risk factor, increasing the risk of respiratory infections, and potentially worsening the severity of pneumonia, bronchitis, emphysema and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Bacterial respiratory infections are caused by the aspiration or inhaling of germs from the mouth and throat into the lungs. When these germs reach the lower respiratory tract, they may cause infections or worsen existing lung conditions. Studies have also found that bacteria found in the oral cavity can travel to the lungs and cause diseases such as pneumonia, particularly in people with gum disease.
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pregnant

Gum Disease and Pregnancy

Research has linked gum disease in women to an increased risk of premature delivery. What is the connection? Researchers believe that bacteria from diseased gums enter the bloodstream during eating or brushing. These bacteria may then affect the levels of prostaglandin (or PGE2), a biological fluid naturally present in a woman’s body. When the level of PGE2 rises significantly, usually in the ninth month of pregnancy, labor begins. But in women with serious gum disease, the level of PGE2 may rise too soon, triggering early labor.
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The staff is so patient and gentle with my daughter. She actually looks forward to going to the dentist now!

Rachel T.

We had an emergency and they saw us the same day. I’m so grateful for their quick response and kindness!

Michael L.

Clean, cheerful, and professional. The entire team makes dental visits a positive experience for my kids.

Emily S.

My son used to be terrified of dentists. Now he walks in with a smile. I can’t thank this team enough!

Daniel K.

What Can I Do?

If you have, or are at risk for one or more of these health conditions, it is particularly important to pay attention to your oral health. The good news is that with regular, proper oral care, gum disease can be controlled or even reverse.

At Bells Corners Family Dentistry, we can treat gingivitis, as well as provide treatment for periodontal disease. We offer scaling and root planning, in which the infected surface of the root is cleaned. For severe cases, we are able to provide surgical procedures including pocket reduction, crown lengthening and aesthetic-crown lengthening.

Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure performed by a dentist to expose a greater amount of tooth structure for the purpose of subsequently restoring the tooth prosthetically. Aesthetic crown-lengthening, typically in the upper front teeth, is indicated to reduce excessive gum tissue surrounding the teeth in order to improve a ‘gummy smile’ appearance.

Ready to Book Your Appointment?

Contact us today to schedule your visit and take the first step toward a healthier smile.

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