Periodontology
Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. With time, plaque can spread and grow below the gum line. Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. The toxins stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the body in essence turns on itself, and the tissues and bone that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed. Often, this destructive process has very mild symptoms. Eventually, teeth can become loose and may have to be removed.
Causes of Periodontal Disease
The main cause of periodontal disease is bacterial plaque, however, factors like the following also affect the health of your gums:
Smoking: Tobacco users are at increased risk for periodontal disease. 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: Research proves that up to 30% of the population may be genetically susceptible to gum disease.
Stress: As you probably already know, stress is linked to many serious conditions such as hypertension, cancer, and numerous other health problems. What you may not know is that stress is also 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.
Medication: Some drugs, such as oral contraceptives, anti-depressants, and certain heart medicines, can affect your oral health. Just as you notify your pharmacist and other health care providers of all medicines you are taking and any changes in your overall health, you should also inform your dental care provider.
Pregnancy and puberty: Women need to take extra care in puberty, menstruation, menopause and/or pregnancy. During these particular times, the body experiences hormonal changes. These changes can affect many of the tissues, including the gums. Gums can become sensitive, and at times react strongly to the hormonal fluctuations.
Diabetes: If you are diabetic, you are at higher risk for developing infections, including periodontal diseases. These infections can impair the ability to process and/or utilize insulin, which may cause your diabetes to be more difficult to control and your infection to be more severe than a non-diabetic.
Clenching or grinding your teeth: Clenching or grinding your teeth can put excess force on the supporting tissues of the teeth and could speed up the rate at which these periodontal tissues are destroyed
Poor nutrition: A diet low in important nutrients can compromise the body's immune system and make it harder for the body to fight off infection. Because periodontal disease is a serious infection, poor nutrition can worsen the condition of your gums.
Other systemic diseases: Diseases that interfere with the body's immune system may worsen the condition of the gums.
Treatment of Periodontal Disease
If you are 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. If you have already lost a tooth to periodontal disease, you may be interested in dental implants – the true permanent tooth replacement option!
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