What is the Main Cause of Periodontal Disease?

The two main contributors to periodontal health are plaque and calculus. The bacteria causes gum disease to stick to the teeth, causing inflammation.

As we age, our bodies start to lose some of their ability to fight off infections. Additionally, what we eat and drink has an impact on our oral health, immunity, general health, and well-being. Poor oral hygiene can lead to a compromised immune system, making one susceptible to more diseases than they might otherwise be. Poor dental hygiene can cause gum inflammation that leads to periodontal disease that causes tooth loss.

Periodontal disease affects the gingivae and alveolar bone. It is caused by an imbalance in bacteria in the mouth that leads to gingivitis and tooth loss. Some of the causes for this disease include; poor oral hygiene, smoking, drinking too much alcohol, metabolic Issues like diabetes, and hypothyroidism can affect the balance of bacteria within your mouth. Periodontal disease is reversible if caught early, and that is why it is recommended to visit a dentist near you immediately if you notice gum bleeding or recession.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is a progressive and chronic form of gum inflammation. It starts with gingivitis, a mild form of gum inflammation. Gingivitis starts to destroy the support that the teeth have on the bone.

Periodontal disease is complex and can have both physical and emotional consequences. Many patients who find it difficult to maintain oral hygiene because of their teeth or gums will suffer from depression, anxiety, and even social withdrawal.

Some people may think that periodontal disease is caused by poor dental hygiene habits like not using mouthwash or flossing enough, but this isn’t always true. It’s important to know that periodontal disease isn’t only dangerous if you don’t take care of your teeth – it can also be harmful in other ways, like causing tooth loss.

The first signs of periodontal disease are swelling and tenderness of the gums. More severe cases may develop white spots on the teeth, inflammation in the gums, and eventually tooth loss due to the destruction of tissue around teeth. It is vital to get periodontal therapy on time to prevent it from advancing.

What are the Causes of Periodontal Disease?

The most common cause of the periodontal disease is bacteria, which can be caused by poor oral hygiene or gum recession. It is also possible for the bacteria to enter through wounds in teeth that break down the gum tissue. Other causes of gum disease include;

• Hormonal changes. Pregnancy and hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, seem to be related to gingivitis. Hormones imbalance may make gums more sensitive and increase the risk of gingivitis.
• People with diabetes are often more vulnerable to infection, such as periodontal disease and cavities. This is because diabetes affects the body’s ability to use blood sugar, interfering with its immune system.
• Smoking. Our teeth are continually exposed to the harmful effects of tobacco smoke. This exposure can cause gum tissue to become dry, brittle, and less elastic. A new study by the American Dental Association found that smokers are up to three times more likely to have gum disease than non-smokers.

Periodontal disease is a progressive infection that affects the gums and the supporting bone. The alveolar bone structure is destroyed, resulting in gum recession, tooth loosening, and periodontal abscesses.

What Symptoms of Gum Disease?

When you have gum disease, it can cause tooth loss, tooth pain, and bad breath. The condition also leads to excessive sensitivity in the mouth, which can be painful. Common symptoms include persistent soreness in your cheeks, lips, or gums, which are red or swollen. Other things that could be signs of gum disease are swollen or red cheeks, gums that bleed when you brush your teeth or when you floss them too hard. It is crucial to visit a gum dentist near you for assessment and treatment.

What is the Treatment for Periodontal Disease?

Gum disease treatment can include various types of treatments such as oral surgical procedures, antibiotic therapy, rinses, and gels among others.

Some treatment options for periodontal disease that our dentist in Mandeville include:

• Scaling and root planning is a procedure where a dentist removes plaque from the teeth with a scaler or hand instrument then plans or re-establishes the roots to prevent future damage.
• Periodontal surgery is an invasive procedure used to remove diseased tissue or reconstruct complex areas of the mouth involved in biting.
• Flap surgery is a procedure where a surgeon makes tiny incisions in the gum tissue to expose roots to be more effectively scaled and root planed. This procedure helps with periodontitis and is minimally invasive.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Alvarez Dental for more information about the causes, treatment, and prevention of gum disease.