Causes of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a long-standing swelling of the gums brought about by the bacterial growth on your teeth, forming a sticky film that hardens with time. This destroys the supporting tissues and bones of the teeth leading to tooth loss in the future and several other health problems. It is also known by the common name gum disease. 

Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

• Inflamed, bright red or purple, and bleeding gums whenever brushed
• Increased bleeding from the sore gums caused even if gently touched 
• A tenacious bad breath and a metallic taste in your mouth
• Shifting of the positions of the teeth in your jaw
• Receding gums, making the teeth appear longer and loose
• Facing pain and discomfort while biting and chewing food

What Causes Periodontal Disease?

There are over 700 harmless bacteria present in your mouth. These bacteria and the mucus produced by our body form plaque - the sticky light-yellow layer of bacteria on your teeth, which spreads towards the gum line and contaminates the gums. As a result, periodontal pockets are formed between the teeth and gums. The bacteria reside in these gaps and multiply faster, wearing out roots of the teeth and deteriorating them in the process.

Several other factors cause periodontal disease, such as:

• If you don’t brush or floss in between your teeth regularly, tartar is likely to form and lead to gingivitis.
• Hormonal changes in women during menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, and puberty make the gums tender, making them more susceptible to bacterial attack.
• Cancer or AIDS meddle with the immune system of the body and make it more prone to gum diseases. The same is the case with diabetes.
• The saliva acts as a protective shield of the teeth’ surface. Several medications slow down the flow of the saliva leading to dry gums and eventually infections. Some drugs make the gums soft. 
• Genetic factors lead to gum disease even after maintaining a healthy oral routine.

How to Prevent Periodontal Disease?

Good oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist can help you prevent the disease. Brushing your teeth twice a day using either manual or electric toothbrushes, cleaning in between teeth using dental floss, and using antiseptic mouthwashes after each brushing to prevent plaque can be done to put a check on the growth of bacteria. 

Treatment of Periodontal Disease

After your dentist diagnoses your problem, you go through a professional teeth cleaning session. Reassessment is done to check for bleeding gums. In extreme cases, the tartar is removed surgically.  

Please reach out to Persimmon Dental Care in Dublin, CA, to have a consultation with our dentists. Please call us at (925) 999-8282 or schedule an online consultation, and we’ll guide you further.