Causes of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease (also known as gum disease or periodontitis) is a progressive disease. If left untreated, it may result in tooth loss. Periodontitis starts when there is inflammation and irritation to the gingival tissues that surround and support the teeth. Toxins are found within the plaque that creates an ongoing bacterial infection, which causes inflammation. 

The bacterial infection establishes an infestation within the gingival tissue and the deep pockets between the gums and teeth. With immediate treatments, it can be reversible since the effects will be mild. Mild to moderate inflammation is known as gingivitis. However, left untreated, the bacterial infection progresses more aggressively, where it begins to destroy the gums and underlying jawbone. In severe cases, the infection can lead to other areas of the body, mainly the bloodstream.

Common Causes of Gum Disease

Some may be genetically born with gum disease, whereas others may have it through environmental factors. In many cases, if preventative measures are taken, then developing periodontitis can be significantly lowered. 

Here are some of the most common causes of gum disease:

✦ To prevent dental disease from happening, start at home with an excellent oral hygiene routine and a well-balanced diet. Preventative measures include annual dental check-ups, cleanings, and X-rays. A combination of both superb home care and routine professional care will make your oral health longer-lasting. When calculus (tartar) remains on the tooth and is not removed, the gums and bone can weaken to cause problems such as periodontitis, gingivitis, and, ultimately, tooth loss.

✦ Research has shown that tobacco use has been demonstrated that smoking and tobacco use are the most significant factors for gum disease development and progression. Smokers may experience a slower recovery and healing rate. Smokers are prone to suffer from calculus (tartar) build-up on teeth, deep pockets in the gingival tissue, and significant bone loss.

✦ Even if you practice a rigorous oral hygiene routine at home, statistics show that as much as 30% of people have a genetically strong predisposition to periodontitis. Genetic tests can also determine the susceptibility and early prevention to retain the oral cavity in good health.

✦ It is vital that during pregnancy, you must still maintain a regular brushing and flossing habit. It is very critical with hormonal changes that the body is experiencing that can cause the gum tissues to be more sensitive and susceptive to gum disease.

✦ Stress can lower the immune system to fight off the intrusion of diseases. With chronic stress and a poor diet, the body weakens, giving the bacterial infection a higher chance since it does not have a healthy defense system. Malnutrition and poor diet can also lower the immune system to fight against periodontal diseases.

✦ With underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes, this can intensify and accelerate gum disease progression. This can also include heart disease, respiratory disease, osteoporosis, and arthritis. Diabetic patients are required to use insulin, which makes it more challenging to control gum disease.

✦ Clenching or grinding your teeth can significantly damage your teeth as well as the gum supporting your teeth. Teeth grinding can be from a “bad bite” or the misalignment of your teeth. Grinding of the teeth can accelerate the progression of gum disease since it weakens the teeth.

✦ There are many drugs, including oral pills, antidepressants, heart medication, and steroids, which can affect your oral health’s overall condition. Steroids can cause gingival overgrowth, increasing the inflammation and swelling for bacterias to form.

Treatment of Gum Disease

Once you are diagnosed with gum disease, it is recommended that you must seek professional help from a periodontist. A periodontist specializes in gum disease and dental implants. A periodontist often performs adequate cleaning procedures such as scaling and root planing. They can prescribe antibiotics and antifungal medications to treat the infection.

In tooth loss, the periodontist can perform tissue grafts. The tissue graft promotes tissue regeneration and dental implants’ insertions if a tooth or several teeth are missing. The periodontist can also recontour the gingival tissue to generate an even and aesthetically delightful appearance.