Skip to main content

Contributing Factors to Gum Disease ( Periodontal Disease)




Periodontal or gum disease is one of the most common and potentially devastating oral disease. There are several types of periodontal disease. All are started by a bacterial infection that destroys the gums, bone, and ligaments supporting the teeth. 

Periodontal disease progresses silently, often without pain or overt symptoms that would alert you to its presence. It may develop slowly or progress quite rapidly.
The main cause of gum disease is plaque, but other factors affect the health of your gums

Inadequate Oral Hygiene

Periodontal disease occurs when bacteria begin infecting the gums and surrounding tissues. missing daily brushing and flossing allows the bacteria to form a sticky network of plaque. Eventually, bacteria can create an infection in the gums and underlying bone structure, causing periodontal disease. Poor nutrition can also be a risk factor for gum disease.


Smoking and Tobacco Use 

Not only are tobacco products hazardous to your lungs and other parts of your body, smokers are also at a higher risk for periodontal disease. Smoking lowers your immune system and makes you more susceptible to the infections that cause periodontal disease. The stains that accumulate because of smoking also increase plaque accumulation. Smoking also dries out your mouth, which reduces the saliva your mouth needs to remove bacteria.


Pregnancy 

Female hormones affect the gums and can exacerbate existing gingivitis. Many women find that the hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause or worsen gum disease. The disease often begins around the second month and peaks around the eighth month, though it usually abates in the months after birth.


Medications

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.

Genetics 

Approximately 30% of the population has a genetic predisposition for gum disease. Studies also show that children with parents with periodontal disease are 12 times more likely to have the bacteria that cause plaque build-up and gum disease.


Stress

Stress is linked to many serious conditions such as hypertension, cancer, and numerous other health problems. 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 gum disease

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.

Other Contributing Factors

while bacteria growth is the main cause of periodontal disease, other periodontal disease risk factors include:

  • Age Risk
  • Poor Nutrition and obesity
  • Diabetes
  • Systemic diseases
  • Vitamin deficiencies

Reduce your risk of periodontal disease by practicing healthy oral hygiene habits and scheduling regular dental appointments for full assessment of your teeth and gums.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Cosmetic Dentistry Preston Can Help You Look Better.

Cosmetic Dentistry Preston Research shows that your smile is your single greatest social asset? A beautiful smile can greatly increase your chances of success, professionally and personally. Here’s the thing, though – whether you need Dental implants to replace missing teeth, cosmetic dentistry or general dentistry, it’s important you choose a dentist with whom you feel comfortable, and who has the skills to deliver that great looking smile. Cosmetic Dentistry is more than the art of painting a new smile. It encompasses mimicking natures’ beauty, providing a picture perfect smile presentation by applying science and modern technologies. Cosmetic Dental Treatments are a blend of modern General Dentistry and Smile Makeovers. In providing a high level of Cosmetic Dental every day, we have developed systems that give you informed and guaranteed results. From the planning through to the delivery, your treatments will be coordinated, informed and honest. If we wouldn

Holistic Dentist in Preston : Beyond regular Dental Health

More and more, health conscious people are turning to natural medicine and holistic dentistry for their dental health care needs. In general, holistic dentists try to treat the underlying cause of disease by using the safest and least toxic forms of dental care possible Holistic Dentistry is essentially an approach to dental treatment, primarily caring for patient's health and safety from both a conventional as well as an "alternative dental care" point of view. In holistic dentistry, the aim is to find bio-compatible materials to use, in order to reduce the toxicity for everyone, especially the chemically sensitive. For instance Amalgam fillings (mercury Fillings) are avoided in holistic dentistry because of concern about possible toxicity problems. A holistic dental practice is constructed upon few basic principles; Never treat when you can prevent or heal instead  To Place safeguards to protect against exposure to known toxins like mercury Use non

Dentist in Preston Provides Free Mouth Cancer Checks

                       Mouth Cancer, may involve the lips, gums, tongue, teeth, cheeks, roof or floor of the mouth or back of the throat. It usually starts out as a small white spot that looks like an irritation, or an ulcer that may be red or white. The most common site is on the side of the tongue, and it most often is symptom free with no irritation or pain. The majority of patients visiting their dentist would like to be checked for mouth cancer (the results of survey in 2011 revealed 88 per cent of patients would like to be checked for the disease).However despite the public’s desire to be checked for cancer, only 14 per cent indicated their dentist had explained the risks and symptoms of mouth cancer to them. The British Dental Foundation estimates that around 90 per cent of dentists regularly check for mouth cancer, but only a small percentage discusses the issue directly with their patients. Mouth cancer cases are increasing at a phenomenal rate due to