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Periodontal diseases are infections of the gums, which gradually destroy the support of your natural teeth. There are numerous disease entities requiring different treatment approaches. Dental plaque is the primary cause of gum disease in genetically susceptible individuals. Daily brushing and flossing will prevent most periodontal conditions.
Why is oral hygiene so important?
Adults past the age of 35 lose more teeth to gum diseases (Periodontal Disease), than from cavities. Three out of four adults are affected at some time in their life. The best way to prevent cavities and periodontal diseases is by good tooth brushing and flossing techniques, performed daily.
Periodontal disease and decay are both caused by bacterial plaque. Plaque is a colorless film, which sticks to your teeth at the gum line. Plaque constantly forms on your teeth. By thorough daily brushing and flossing you can remove these germs and help prevent periodontal disease.
Periodontal diseases can be accelerated by a number of different factors. However, the bacteria found in dental plaque, a sticky colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth, mainly cause it. If not carefully removed by daily brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into a rough, porous substance known as calculus (or tartar).
Bacteria found in plaque produces toxins or poisons that irritate the gums, which may cause them to turn red, swell and bleed easily. If this irritation is prolonged, the gums separate from the teeth, causing pockets (spaces) to form. As periodontal diseases progress, the supporting gum tissue and bone that holds teeth in place deteriorate. If left untreated, this leads to tooth loss.
The best way to prevent gum disease is effective daily brushing and flossing as well as regular professional examinations and cleanings. Unfortunately, even with the most diligent home dental care, people still can develop some form of periodontal disease. Once this disease starts, professional intervention is necessary to prevent its progress.
Worse still, more and more research points to the grave systemic consequences of allowing this chronic bacterial infection to persist in your body. Numerous medical researchers have reported links between active periodontal disease and numerous systemic illnesses. Heart valve damage and blood vessel narrowing (arteriosclerosis & clot formation), low birth weight babies and premature delivery, elevated blood sugar in diabetics, increased incidence of respiratory infections and other less serious effects are associated with bacterial contamination and bacterial toxins from diseased gums. Clearly periodontal disease is not the sole cause of these problems but it clearly plays a role for many people. As one well-respected physician said – “What other part of your body would you permit to be chronically infected and expect no consequence on your overall health?”
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