Periodontal disease, though a common dental problem can lead to devastating consequences which may lead to tooth loss, if not treated on time. Knowing the causes of the disease is crucial for any dentist to design an appropriate treatment plan.
Because only symptomatic relief cannot help.
The Family Dentistry in Shelby Township provides a detailed diagnosis of periodontal disease and treatment options to enhance your overall oral health.
An introduction to periodontal disease
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a progressive destruction of the surrounding structures, namely the periodontium. Periodontium comprises the cementum, gums, periodontal ligament, and the underlying alveolar bone. Periodontal disease initially begins as an inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) but may gradually progress to the underlying jawbone, causing permanent damage (periodontitis) in the form of mobility, and tooth loss. Care should be taken to identify the early warning signs of the disease to access timely dental care when the disease is in the reversible stage.
The most prevalent causes of periodontal disease
After years of research, dentists have been able to identify the possibility of periodontal disease. These include one of the following:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Improper oral habits can lead to increased bacterial infiltration and plaque accumulation. This may eventually lead to the secretion of harmful toxins and acids, causing gingivitis or periodontitis.
- Tobacco use in the form of smoking
- Smokers are more prone to gingival inflammation and bone loss since the tobacco present in cigarettes inhibits your body’s defense mechanism leading to poor healing and prolonged recovery time.
- Family history
- People with a genetic predisposition (if a family member suffers from it) are six times more likely to develop periodontal disease.
- Hormonal changes
- Hormonal imbalance, as seen during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, can wreak havoc on your oral health.
- Hormonal changes negatively impact the blood supply to your gums and modify the way your body responds to plaque buildup.
- Chronic stress
- Stress greatly lowers the ability of your immune system to fight off disease.
- Improper diet
- A poorly balanced diet or malnutrition can also play a vital role in causing gum disease due to impaired healing ability.
- Underlying medical conditions
- Certain health conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, or respiratory disease can increase your risk of periodontal disease.
- Medications
- Drugs such as antihypertensives, oral contraceptive pills, steroids, heart medicines, and antidepressants can negatively affect the overall health of the teeth and gums.
- They facilitate bacterial colonization and cause gingival swelling.
Remember, proper oral hygiene and timely dental care can prevent the onset, progression, and recurrence of periodontal disease, thereby restoring oral health.
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