PERIODONTAL DISEASE: WHAT’S THE MEANING OF A DEEP CLEANING?

Periodontitis, commonly referred to as gum disease, commences with bacterial development in the mouth and might result in tooth loss resulting from destruction of tissues around your teeth.

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CAUSES

Plaque is basically the foundation of gum disease. Nonetheless, other aspects can lead to periodontal disease.

Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during ovulation, puberty, during pregnancy, and monthly periods make gums very sensitive. This can allow gingivitis to develop very easily. Some diseases affect the condition of your gums, especially those ailments which affect the immune system like HIV.

Medications can also affect your oral conditions. Some medicines result in the drying of the mouth, reducing the amount of saliva which normally has a protective edge in the mouth. Some drugs, like the anticonvulsant medication, can result in an abnormal growth on the gum tissues. Bad habits such as smoking and poor oral care such as not brushing the teeth regularly will easily cause gum disease as well. In some instances, family cases of dental problems have been toted to cause gum disease. Poor oral care such as not brushing the teeth regularly will easily cause gum disease.In some instances, family cases of dental problems have been toted to cause gum disease.

SYMPTOMS

Normally, gum disease progresses painlessly and will in many occasions not be easily identified in its early stages. Nevertheless, the condition is not entirely subtle.

Some of the symptoms include:

• Gums bleeding during and after brushing of teeth.

• Very red and tender gums that get swollen very easily.

• A nagging bad breath in the mouth.

• Gums with decreased size.

• Deep pockets formed between teeth and gums.

• Very loose teeth

Even if you don’t find any symptoms of gum disease in your mouth, the best person to completely write the assumption off is the dentist since gum disease can only affect certain parts of your dental layout.

DIAGNOSIS

The doctor primarily searches for the following during the medical check up:

• The firmness of the gums.

• How easily do the gums bleed?

• Are the gums swollen?

• How do the teeth move? Are they firmly attached to the gum?

• Is the jawbone firmly in it’s place?

The firmness of the gums. How easily do the gums bleed?Are the gums swollen?How does the teeth move, are they firmly attached to the gum?Is the jawbone firmly in it’s place?

TREATMENT

The intentions of periodontal treatment are to enhance reattachment of gums to the tooth, reduce protuberance, fill in the pockets, prevent infection, and permanently halt progression.. Treatment will be dependent on the stage of the disease, history of the disease and also your previous responses to medication. Depending on these factors, either a surgical or a non surgical approach will be called upon.

PREVENTION

Prevention of periodontal disease is a very easy undertaking when total plaque control is observed. Plaque control involves visiting the dentist at least twice a year for a medical check up, flossing, and regularly brushing the teeth. Flossing removes food particles hiding under the teeth, while brushing removes plaque from the surface of teeth after every meal. Other ways you can prevent periodontal disease is through a properly balance diet. This will help your immune system fight toxins as well as ensures that all the body organs receive the necessary mineral requirements.

Stopping habits like smoking and grinding teeth will also go a long way in preventing instances of gum disease. Knowing how to deal with social stress also helps the immune system stay strong, since when weak, the body becomes exposed to ailments.

Although it has been said observing the required oral hygiene and maintaining a healthy way of life will save you from gum disease, the American Academy of Periodontology has inferred that 30% of Americans are hereditarily exposed to periodontal disease. These people are six times more susceptible to gum disease as opposed to those who do not have instances of family history. This is to say, if there is anyone in your family with gum disease, the chances of you getting the same disease is almost 60%. People who come from such families must have frequent dental check ups, maintain well balanced meals, and maintain excellent oral hygiene practices.

IS GUM DISEASE RELATED TO OTHER AILMENTS?

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) insinuates that there is a link between periodontal disease and other ailments. Diseases such as diabetes are touted to be one of these ailments that make gum disease worse. In a nut shell, most of the diseases that affect the immune system generally weaken the body, hence exposing more probabilities of attacks from gum disease. This condition is often treated with professional assistance and by improving the patient’s oral hygiene habits. If left untreated, it may result in missing teeth or damage to the surrounding denture and bone structures.