Periodontitis, also known as gum disease, is a type of progressive disease of the gums which may cause tooth loss if it is not treated at the right time. The first indicators and symptoms of this disease are present when the gingival tissues around the teeth become irritated or show inflammation. The major cause for this is the presence of a bacterial infection resulting from toxins in the plaque that gathers on the teeth. The best way to treat this disease is through preventive measures, and the causes that lead to periodontitis include a mix of genetic issues and other factors.
The gingival tissue is colonized by the bacteria that forms due to plaque and materializes deep pockets between the gum and teeth. The precursor to this disease is gingivitis, which is mild inflammation, and if a dentist is consulted immediately, the onset of periodontitis can be curbed. If left untreated in the early stages, the infection will affect the gums and jawbone, causing tooth loss. Through the blood vessels, it is also possible for bacteria from this region to affect other organs of the body.
Causes Of Periodontitis
Bad Oral Hygiene: The first method of prevention is the practice of good oral hygiene measures. Treatment starts at home, and if you regularly brush, clean, and floss your teeth, there is a very low chance of this disease occurring. Along with oral hygiene, one must eat a healthy and balanced diet as well. Frequent visits to the American Dental Clinic in Dubai will ensure specialist intervention, and any dental problem can be detected in advance. Periodic removal of tartar and bacteria from the teeth is the best way to stop an infection from spreading.
Genetics: In certain cases, no matter how well you take care of your teeth, there is a chance that you will be affected by gingivitis and periodontitis. This is due to the genetic factor; the chance of occurrence of the disease becomes six-fold. The best way to be sure that you are not affected by periodontitis is by conducting genetic tests and the dental specialist being involved at an early stage. If the person has a high genetic predisposition of becoming affected with periodontitis, timely treatment can prevent the disease.
Use Of Tobacco Products: Everyone understands how unhealthy tobacco use is, whether by smoking or chewing the product. Leading dentists worldwide consider the habit of smoking and tobacco use to be the main cause and factor that leads to gum disease or periodontitis. At least one-third of the population have at some point used tobacco products, and the main danger of this habit with relation to gum disease is that the healing process is negatively affected. Smokers will have a significant build-up of tartar on their teeth, deeper gum pockets, and a high chance of bone loss.
Obesity: Dentists also warn the general public that obesity can also result in the early occurrence of gum disease or periodontitis. The main reason for obesity-related gum disease is because the body does not get the right nutrients due to poor diet management. As a result of this, the immune system is severely affected, and the bacterial infection in the mouth cannot be countered. Obesity rates all over the globe have been going up, which means that there is a higher chance for people to get periodontitis in the current era. If a person eats a healthy diet and exercises at least half an hour every day, their immune system will fight off the infection that occurs in the mouth.
Nutrition: The presence of plaque in the teeth for an extended period will result in tartar or calculus accumulation around the teeth. When the nutrition intake consists mainly of sugars, there is a high chance it will lead to periodontitis. Also, it has been noticed that a lack of vitamins can affect the formation of bacteria in the mouth. When Vitamin C is not present in a person’s food, there is a possibility of Scurvy to manifest, and inflammation and gingival bleeding are a direct result. A lack of Vitamin E in the diet will also affect the ability of the gums to heal if they start bleeding. Supplements of these Vitamins can improve oral health and keep periodontitis at bay to some extent.
Hormonal Change: In women, during times of menopause or pregnancy, they must maintain excellent oral hygiene through regular brushing and flossing habits. The influx of hormones and their changes during this period will make the gum tissues very sensitive, which can lead to periodontitis. A higher presence of estrogen in women’s bodies during pregnancy is the main reason for gum disease to appear. Another possibility for the start of acute gingivitis, which leads to periodontitis, is an increased level of the stress hormone known as cortisol.
Diabetes: The medical condition known as diabetes happens where there is a higher level of sugar content in the blood than what is considered normal. When diabetes persists in someone, the blood vessels are directly affected, and they cannot remove waste from the tissues in the body. In effect, there is a reduction in blood flow, which will directly affect the bones in the mouth and gums by weakening them. When this happens, there is a higher risk of an outbreak of bacterial infection. Another reason for the infection is that the mouth fluids will have higher glucose levels when diabetes is not maintained.
The points detailed above are seven of the factors which cause periodontal disease. American Dental Clinic is at the forefront of providing superb dental treatments, and our clinic has the best dental practitioners in the region. If you notice inflammation in your gums, visit our clinic and let the dental specialists help diagnose and cure gingivitis before it can progress to periodontitis.
