Periodontal disease or more commonly known as gum disease affects about 85 % of adults every year. This usually starts off as an inflammation of the gums and eventually escalates into a full-blown infection which affects the bone and the gum tissue surrounding the teeth (provided this inflammation was not treated right away). Gum diseases also increase the likeliness of developing other serious medical complications such as heart failure, stroke and renal failure. It’s also one of the top reasons for early teeth loss among adults below 60. While tartar and plaque build-up due to poor oral hygiene is usually blamed for periodontal diseases, there are other factors which could lead to gum infection. For starters, certain medical conditions and lifestyle options can lead to mild to severe gum infection.
Smoking and the use of tobacco products can cause or increase the likeliness of getting periodontal disease. Research shows that tobacco users and smokers are more likely to have plaque and tartar build-up. As we all know, plaque and tartar build-up provides shelter and food to bacteria which causes the infection on teeth. As bacteria feeds off plaque and tartar, it excretes acids which help deteriorate teeth and the bone and gum tissue surrounding the teeth. If left untreated, this could lead to pocket formation between teeth and gums as well as infection affecting the entire area surrounding teeth and could eventually lead to the loosening of teeth.
Apart from cigarette and tobacco consumption, stress can also increase the chances of periodontal disease. While a certain amount of stress can be tolerated by the body, an excess will have detrimental effects on your dental and overall health. According to studies, cortisol or the hormones released when people become stressed can weaken immune system and contribute t o the diminishing health of your gums. This makes your teeth and gums susceptible to infection, hence, the increased likeliness to periodontal disease. In addition, stress can trigger cravings for cigarettes or alcohol which could, again, compromise your body’s natural ability to fight off infection.
Hormonal changes brought by pregnancy or puberty, as well as certain medical conditions can also make anyone susceptible to periodontal disease. The changes in hormones during pregnancy or puberty make the gums sensitive and appear inflamed, thus making them vulnerable to infection. On the other hand, those suffering from diabetes and autoimmune diseases have increased plaque build-up as well as inflamed gums due to their body’s response to heal the damaged tissue. This inflammation exposes the gums to further infection and eventually, tooth loss. That is why it is important to include periodontal disease treatment and prevention in the care for pregnant women as well as those suffering from certain ailments.
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