Dental Periodontal Disease

If you have periodontal disease, you have an infection in and around your teeth, especially around your gums. Most of the time, periodontal disease starts as gingivitis and then moves to periodontis if the person does not get treatment from a professional dentist.

Any tooth can have periodontal disease. The problem is not specific to only certain teeth. The plaque will grow around the gum line and then spread below the gums after time. There is bacteria in the plaque that will then release toxins that will irritate and harm the gums. The body will then initiate an immune response to the irritation and then the war begins.

The body’s immune system will destroy the tissue and bones that are providing support for the teeth. Since there is less of a support structure, the teeth and the gums will separate, which will create tiny pockets where infection can creep in. The pockets will get deeper and deeper the longer the infection isn’t taken care of. If the teeth have started loosening, then you cannot do anything else to save the teeth but pull them from your mouth and buy new ones.

Periodontal disease is typically a result of bad dental hygiene. Cigarette smoking, however, has been shown to lead to periodontal disease and gum problems as well. There have been a number of studies on periodontal disease and cigarette smoking. The conclusions are always the same. If you smoke a lot, you can increase your risk of developing periodontal disease significantly.

Genetics, however, can play a part in your periodontal disease. If you have problems with periodontal disease throughout your family, you are more likely to see problems as well. However, just like any other disease, early detection and intervention can help you keep your teeth in your mouth and prevent your needing dentures.

Another factor that increases the risk of periodontal disease is fluctuating hormones. Both pregnancy and puberty have been known to cause problems, as well as stress. If you are stressed, your immune system takes a longer time to fight infection anywhere in your body, including your gums. You can take some medications that will impact your oral health negatively as well. For this reason, it pays to tell your dentist about all of the different medications you are taking and the dosage of these medications. If you grind or clench your teeth, you can also accelerate the problem of your tissues in your teeth weakening, which can again lead to periodontal disease.

Finally, diabetes and other diseases like leukemia can compromise the immune system and lead to gum problems as well.

How can you combat periodontal disease? First, you will need to scrape away the plaque that has been building up on your root surfaces. You will need to get rid of the tartar as well. This will get rid of the irritating toxins that are plaguing your gums. Once the pockets of infection have been fixed and cleaned, you can avoid having surgery and just work on general daily maintenance.

         

Dental Problems

Dental Cavities Care – Tooth Decay Prevention
Dental Care - Wisdom Teeth
Dental Cavities Care – How to Prevent Cavities Problems
Root Canal Treatments
Gingivitis Symptoms and Treatment
Dental Filling Care Treatment