Periodontal Disease Can Cause Severe Health Problems

Periodontitis, also known as Pyorrhea, is the periodontal disease of gums involving

inflammation and often goes unnoticed in the patient for years and results in bone loss surrounding the teeth. Periodontitis can cause severe health problems such as the increased risk for stroke or heart attack and other serious problems. This disease is common among all age groups and is mostly preventable and usually the result of bad oral hygiene. Daily flossing, brushing, and regular cleanings will reduce greatly the chance of your development of periodontal disease.

Knowing that Periodontitis can cause severe health problems should entice everyone to follow a good oral health regime throughout their lifetime. Flossing once daily, brushing twice daily and regular dental checkups every six months is a good program to follow. Professional cleaning might need done more often especially if risk factors are present to increase chances of developing periodontitis.

Symptoms and Signs of Periodontal Disease

There are many signs of gum disease which include: swollen gums, tender when touched gums, bright purple or red gums, developing new spaces between teeth, receding gums that make teeth look longer, pus forms between gums and teeth, changes in your bite, bad breath, mouth tastes bad, and loose teeth. Healthy gums are normally pale pink and firm. If you notice any signs of periodontitis, the sooner you see the dentist the better chance of reversing the damage. Periodontal disease can cause severe health problems and you may be surprised that some complications that are associated with having gum disease are low birth weight, stroke, respiratory illness, coronary artery diseases, and uncontrolled diabetes.

Risk factors of Periodontal Disease

Increased risk factors involved for periodontitis are: gingivitis, poor oral habits, heredity, and diabetes, use of tobacco, old age, poor nutrition, substance abuse, hormone change, medications, and dental restorations that are ill-fitting. There are two classes of periodontitis, aggressive and chronic. The more common type is chronic periodontitis, mostly affecting adults, but children also may be affected. Aggressive periodontitis begins usually in childhood or as early adults and only affects 1 or 2 percent of the people worldwide.

Causes and the prevention of Periodontal Disease

The thought is that periodontitis is caused by a buildup of plaque. It is a sticky film mainly composed of bacteria. When sugars and starches in food intermingle with normal bacteria in the mouth, plaque will form on the teeth. Brushing the teeth will remove the plaque but it forms quickly again, most often in 24 hours. Plaque staying on the teeth for more than three days hardens under the gums and forms tartar. The tartar holds bacteria and makes it harder to remove the plaque. A professional cleaning is needed because tartar can't be removed just by flossing and brushing. The longer that plaque and tartar stay on the teeth, more damage is done. Irritation and inflammation of the gingiva occurs, called gingivitis, a milder form of the disease, periodontitis. Ongoing inflammation will eventually develop pockets between the teeth and gums that fill up with bacteria, plaque, and tartar. After time, the pockets get deeper and the infection causes bone and tissue loss. If left untreated and much bone loss occurs, you might lose some teeth.

by: Rachel Nolander

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