Periodontal disease is a prevalent dental issue affecting millions of people globally. Plaque, a deposit of microorganisms that forms on teeth and gums, is responsible for this condition. Over time, the bacteria in plaque can cause gingival inflammation and infection, which can lead to tooth loss and other significant health issues.
Causes Of Gum Disease:
Plaque that is not routinely removed from teeth and gums can congeal into tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist. This tartar development can cause inflammation and infection in the tissues, leading to tooth loss over time. Other contributors to periodontal disease include:
- Tobacco use weakens the immune system and makes it more difficult for the body to combat infections, including periodontal disease.
- Hormonal Changes: During puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, hormonal changes can make gums more susceptible to periodontal disease.
- Diabetes patients are more prone to develop periodontal disease because excessive blood sugar levels can damage the immune system and make fighting infections more difficult.
- By causing parched saliva, certain medications, such as anticonvulsants and blood pressure medications, can increase the risk of periodontal disease.
Symptoms Of Gum Disease:
The early stages of gum disease may not cause noticeable symptoms, which is why regular dental checkups are important.
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing
- Receding gums, which can make teeth appear longer
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
- Loose or shifting teeth
If any of these things happen, you should see a dental service provider as soon as possible. Early treatment can help prevent the disease from progressing and causing more serious health problems.
Treatments For Gum Disease:
How gum disease is treated will depend on how bad the illness is. When the disease is in its early phases, it is typically treatable with professional cleansing and improved oral hygiene at home. This could mean brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day, flossing every day, and using an antibacterial mouthwash.
In more serious cases, a dentist may suggest more invasive treatments like scaling and tooth planing. To do this, plaque and tartar buildup on the roots of the teeth must be removed, and the roots’ surfaces must be smoothed so that bacteria have a harder time sticking to them.
Some people with gum disease may need surgery to get better. This could involve flap surgery, in which the lips are lifted to remove tartar buildup, or bone and tissue grafts, which can help grow a backbone and gum tissue that has been lost.
Prevention Of Gum Disease:
The best way to keep gum disease from happening is to take care of your teeth and gums at home and see a dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. These include:
- Fluoride toothpaste should be used to brush your teeth twice a day.
- Flossing every day to get rid of bacteria and food stuck between teeth
- Using a mouthwash with antiseptics to kill germs and improve breath
- Eating a well-balanced diet with few sweets and lots of fruits and veggies
- Putting down cigarettes or other tobacco goods
In addition, it is important to manage any underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, that can increase the risk of gum disease. This may include working with your healthcare provider to manage your blood sugar levels or making lifestyle changes to improve your overall health.
