Periodontal (gum) diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are serious infections that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth.
Gum disease could give you one of the most excruciating pains you ever experienced in life. However, you can easily avoid it or get it cured (if you already have it) by carefully reading and adhering to the simple tips highlighted below.
Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. It begins when the bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth) causes the gums to become inflamed.
FORMS
Gingivitis
This is the mildest form of periodontal disease. It causes the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. There is usually little or no ache at this stage. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good at home oral care.
Aggressive Periodontitis.
A form of periodontitis that occurs in patients who are otherwise clinically healthy. Common features include rapid attachment loss and bone destruction and familial aggregation.
Chronic Periodontitis
A form of periodontal disease resulting in swelling within the supporting tissues of the teeth, progressive attachment and bone loss and is associated with pocket formation and/or recession of the gingiva. It is recognized as the most frequently occurring form of periodontitis. It is rampant in adults, but can occur at any age. Progression of attachment loss usually occurs slowly, but periods of rapid progression can occur.
CAUSES:
SMOKING:
Apart from other diseases to which tobacco users are exposed, they are susceptible to chronic and perpetual periodontal infections. In fact, recent studies have shown that tobacco use may be one of the most significant risk factors in the development and progression of periodontal disease.
Genetics
According to a press release, parents may pass periodontal infections to their offspring. “Periodontal (gum) disease may be passed from parents to children and between couples. Researchers discovered bacteria that cause periodontal disease pass though saliva. This means that the common contact of saliva in families puts children and couples at risk for contracting the periodontal disease of another family member.
Pregnancy and Puberty
As a woman, at puberty or menopause, and times when you have special health needs, such as menstruation or pregnancy, your body experiences hormonal changes. These changes can affect many of the tissues in your body, including your gums. Your gums can become sensitive, and at times react strongly to the hormonal fluctuations. This may make you more susceptible to gum disease. Additionally, recent studies suggest that pregnant women with gum disease are seven times more likely to deliver premature, low birth weight babies
Stress
It is pertinent to point out here that (since you may not know this) that stress also is a risk factor for periodontal disease. Research demonstrates that stress can make it more difficult for the body to fight off infection, including periodontal diseases.
TREAMENT OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE
The goal of periodontal treatment is to control any infection that exists and to stop development and spread of the disease. Treatment options involve home care that includes healthy eating and proper brushing and flossing. Non-surgical therapy that controls the growth of harmful bacteria and, in more advanced cases of disease, surgery to restore supportive tissues may be adequate.
Antibiotic treatments can be used either in combination with surgery and other therapies, or alone, to reduce or temporarily eliminate the bacteria associated with periodontal disease.
However, doctors, dentists and public health officials are becoming more concerned that overuse of these antibiotics can increase the risk of bacterial resistance to these drugs. When germs become resistant to antibiotics, the drugs lose the ability to fight infection.
If you're diagnosed with periodontal disease, your periodontist may recommend periodontal surgery. Periodontal surgery is necessary when your periodontist determines that the tissue around your teeth is unhealthy and cannot be repaired with non-surgical treatment. Following are the four types of surgical treatments most commonly prescribed:
• Pocket Reduction Procedures
• Regenerative Procedures
• Crown Lengthening
• Soft Tissue Grafts
If you've already lost a tooth to periodontal disease, you may be interested in dental implants – the permanent tooth replacement option.
WARNING SIGNALS
These are warning signals indicating that you have the symptoms of periodontal disease.
Having pain in your mouth.
Bleeding when you brush your teeth or when you eat hard food.
Having spaces developing between your teeth.
Swollen, reddish tender gums.
Having your gums receding (pulling back from your teeth) or your teeth appear longer than before.
Having persistent bad breath.
Having pus between your teeth and gums.
Developing sores in your mouth
Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums
Loose or shifting teeth
Changes in the way teeth fit together on biting, or in the fit of partial dentures
James Ojo is a prolific writer, a seasoned author and the President of http://www.hothomebizonline.com and http://pharmaceuticals.hothomebizonline.com
Article Copyright By Author. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
|
