Neighbor News
Gum disease prevalence surpasses diabetes with nearly 65 million affected
Dr. Dorothy Anasinski urges Chicagoland residents to take action against highly prevalent, yet seriously overlooked disease
With one in every two adults age 30 and older suffering from periodontal disease (commonly referred to as gum disease), the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) and its 8,300 members are calling for Americans to Love the Gums They’re With. Dr. Dorothy Anasinski, a local dentist specializing in periodontics, is raising awareness amongst Chicagoland residents that periodontal disease can lead to receding gums, bone damage, loss of teeth, and can increase the risk of other health problems such as heart disease and diabetes.
Despite its prevalence, periodontal disease is hardly ever discussed, resulting in a lack of urgency for people to properly care for their gums. Dr. Anasinski supports the Love the Gums You’re With campaign in seeking to spark this necessary conversation. Important steps like quitting smoking, brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and receiving an annual comprehensive periodontal evaluation from a periodontist can help detect and prevent gum disease.
Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition that, if left untreated, may cause damage to the tissues and bone surrounding the teeth, eventually leading to tooth loss. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 64.7 million Americans are affected by periodontal disease. In addition to diabetes, periodontal disease has been linked to other chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and even cancer.
“The potential repercussions of periodontal disease upon an individual’s oral and physical well-being is a very serious – but often overlooked – health issue,” said Dr. Dorothy Anasinski, D.D.S., founder of Dental Specialists of Niles, PC. “My practice both prevents and treats periodontal disease, but unfortunately all too often a new patient doesn’t arrive until the condition has worsened.”
Periodontal disease typically does not cause pain until it’s in an advanced stage, at which point much of the damage has been done and tooth support destroyed.
What Chicagoland Patients Can Do
To aid in the prevention of periodontal disease, Dr. Anasinski recommends quitting smoking, eliminating sugary drinks, and practicing good oral hygiene habits including brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, and discussing gum health with a dental professional.To learn more, patients can take a brief quiz on perio.org to evaluate the current state of their gum health, learn the signs and symptoms of periodontal disease, and receive tips on how to properly care for their gums. Each patient is unique, and should been seen by a periodontist, a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease, for a comprehensive periodontal evaluation and specialized periodontal treatment plan to help support a life-long commitment to healthy gums. Make an appointment with Dr. Anasinski by visiting http://www.DentalSpecialistsofNiles.com.
About Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria in the mouth that form plaque below the gum line. There are more than 500 bacterial species that can be found in plaque, and brushing alone does not remove the bacteria that live below the gum line. Poor oral hygiene is one cause of periodontal disease, but smoking is also a significant risk factor in the development and progression of the disease. While periodontal disease is mostly preventable and treatable, the early warning signs can be painless, making it necessary for individuals to establish strong oral hygiene habits and to discuss their periodontal health with a dental professional. With an appropriate diagnosis, the damage from periodontal disease is reversible in many cases.
About Dr. Dorothy Anasinski, D.D.S. and Dental Specialists of Niles
Dr. Anasinski is a nationally recognized periodontist, dental implantologist, and founder of Dental Specialists of Niles, a unique dental practice that boasts a team of highly trained, diverse specialists. The professionals at Dental Specialists of Niles work collaboratively, providing the most advanced dental services from varying specialties under one roof. Dr. Anasinski is a leader in her field with a long list of accolades and achievements including her positions as diplomat of the Board of Periodontology, and Delegate to the Illinois State Dental Society. She is vice president of the North Suburban Branch of the Chicago Dental Society, founder of the Greater Chicago Dental Academy, and a member of many other dental organizations. Dr. Anasinski and her team are sought after by residents of greater Chicago and beyond for their expertise, team approach, focus on overall wellness. www.DentalSpecialistsofNiles.com
About the American Academy of Periodontology
The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is the professional organization for periodontists – specialists in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists are also dentistry’s experts in the treatment of oral inflammation. They receive three additional years of specialized training following dental school, and periodontics is one of the nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. The AAP has 8,300 members worldwide. For more information, visit perio.org.
