What Effects Does Periodontal Disease Have on My Oral Health?

Periodontal disease (gum disease) is severe inflammation of the gums that injures soft tissue and breaks down the bone that helps hold the teeth in place. This can cause loosening or loss of teeth. Although periodontal disease is prevalent, it is definitely avoidable. 

Periodontal disease is usually caused by a lack of proper oral hygiene. To help enhance the likelihood of effective periodontal treatment, you should brush routinely and floss regularly. You should also visit your dentist regularly for dental checkups.  Proper oral hygiene will also prevent you from getting the disease.

What are Symptoms of Gum Disease?

Gums that are healthy are strong, light pink, and fit comfortably around the teeth. Periodontal disease can cause the following signs and symptoms:

-Instability of your teeth when you bite down

-The gums recede giving the appearance that your teeth are lengthier than usual

-Pain when chewing

-New gaps are forming between your teeth

-You are losing teeth

-Teeth have loosened

-Pus has formed in the mouth

-Bad breath

-Presence of blood in the mouth during the oral care

-Gums that easily bleed

-Painful gums

-Gums that are swollen

-Discolored gums

When Should You Visit Your Dentist?

For regular checkups, stick to the schedule advised by your dentist. Book an appointment if you notice any signs or symptoms of periodontal disease. The earlier you seek treatment, the greater the likelihood of reversing any damages caused by gum disease.

What are Causes of Periodontal Disease?

Plaque is the most common cause of periodontal disease. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontal disease as follows:

-When carbohydrates, such as sugar and starch, collaborate with oral bacteria, plaque will form. Plaque is removed by brushing your teeth and flossing daily. However, it can quickly develop in the mouth, once again.

-If plaque remains on your teeth, it can toughen beneath your gum line and stiffen into tartar. Tartar is more challenging to eliminate and contains bacteria. If plaque and tartar are allowed to build upon your teeth too long, they will damage the teeth and gums significantly. Tartar cannot be removed by brushing and flossing. Instead, it must be removed by a professional dental cleaning.

-Gingivitis, which is inflammation of the gums, can be caused by plaque. Inflammation typically occurs at the bottom of the teeth but can be treated professionally and at home with good oral hygiene.

-Continuously inflamed gums can result in periodontal disease. This will lead to the formation of tartar, plaque, and bacteria-filled pockets between your teeth and gums. Unfortunately, the pockets grow significantly over time, containing even more bacteria. If left untreated, bone and tissue loss will occur, and eventually, cause loss of several teeth. In addition, recurring chronic gum inflammation can negatively impact your immune system.

What are Risk Factors?

Periodontal disease can be caused by a number of factors, including:

-Obesity

-Poor oral hygiene

-Heredity

-Certain chronic conditions, including diabetes

-Use of nicotine products and drug use

-Inflammation of the gums

-Lack of adequate nutrition

What are Complications of Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease can result in loss of teeth. Microbes that cause the disease can invade the blood via the gum tissue, negatively impacting other areas of the body.  Periodontal disease, for example, has been associated with problems with the joints, respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, and blood sugar control issues in diabetics.

How Is Periodontal Disease Treated?

Periodontal disease treatment aims to boost healthy gum adhesion to teeth, minimize puffiness of the gum, infection risk, and halt disease advancement. Alternative therapies are determined by the progression of the disease, the body’s response to previous treatments, and your general health. Noninvasive therapies that minimize bacterial growth are available, as is surgery to recover gum tissues.