Main Cause of Periodontal Disease

Understanding Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is a widespread oral health issue that affects millions worldwide, yet many remain unaware of its primary cause and potential consequences. Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the structures surrounding and supporting the teeth, including the gums, periodontal ligament, and the alveolar bone. The condition is primarily caused by bacterial infections that result from plaque buildup on the teeth and gums.

Other Risk Factors

While plaque buildup and bacterial infections are the primary culprits behind the periodontal disease, other risk factors can exacerbate its development and severity.

 

  1. Poor Oral Hygiene: Neglecting dental health practices such as regular brushing and flossing can lead to the accumulation of plaque and tartar, placing individuals at a higher risk for gum disease.
  2. Smoking or Tobacco Use: This habit can disrupt the normal function of gum tissue cells, accelerating bacterial growth and making one’s mouth more vulnerable to infections, thus becoming a significant risk factor for periodontal disease.
  3. Crooked Teeth: Misaligned or crooked teeth can create hard-to-reach areas that complicate the removal of plaque and bacteria, increasing the risk of periodontal disease in the affected teeth.
  4. Genetics: Some people might be genetically predisposed to periodontal disease.
  5. Age: The risk of periodontal disease increases with age, with older adults having the highest rates of periodontal disease.
  6. Nutrition and Diet: A poor diet, particularly one low in essential nutrients, can compromise the immune system and make it harder for the body to resist infection, enhancing the risk factors for periodontal disease.
  7. Certain Medical Conditions: Conditions like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and cardiovascular disease can increase the risk of developing periodontal disease.
  8. Stress: Stress can make it difficult for the body to fight off infection, including periodontal disease.

The Main Cause of Periodontal Diseases

Periodontal diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, primarily stem from a persistent bacterial infection in the structures around the teeth. These infections begin with the accumulation of dental plaque, which, if not removed, can lead to serious gum diseases.

 

Plaque Buildup and Bacterial Infections

Dental plaque is a sticky, colourless film that constantly forms on our teeth. It consists of bacteria, mucus, food debris, and other particles. When we consume foods, especially those high in sugar and carbohydrates, these foods interact with the bacteria in the plaque to produce acids. These acids can damage the tooth enamel, leading to tooth decay and cavities. However, the issue doesn’t end there. If plaque is not removed regularly through good oral hygiene practices and daily brushing and flossing, it can harden and turn into tartar. Tartar creates a shield for bacteria and makes plaque more difficult to remove.

 

The bacteria in plaque and tartar can also invade the gum tissues, leading to gum infections. These infections cause inflammation of the gum tissue, a condition known as gingivitis. If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis. In this condition, the inflammation spreads to the bone structures supporting the teeth. The gums may start to recede, forming pockets that further harbour bacteria, escalating the infection and inflammation. The body’s immune response to the bacterial infection, along with the toxins produced by the bacteria, starts to break down the bone and connective tissues holding the teeth in place. This can eventually lead to tooth loss, and the bacteria may also enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of other health problems.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

To fully comprehend the primary cause of periodontal disease, it is first essential to understand what it entails and its symptoms.

 

Swollen or Bleeding Gums: A Common Yet Crucial Symptom of Periodontal Disease

Among the most common symptoms of periodontal disease are swollen or bleeding gums, a clear sign that your oral health requires immediate attention.

 

Bad Breath and Gum Disease: An Underestimated Symptom

Persistently bad breath, medically known as halitosis, is another symptom that may indicate the presence of gum disease.

 

Shifting or Loose Teeth: A Severe Symptom of Advanced Periodontal Disease

As gum disease progresses, it may lead to shifting or loose teeth, a severe symptom that signifies the advanced stages of the disease.

 

Pain When Chewing: A Symptom of Gum Disease Often Overlooked

The body’s immune response to periodontal disease can result in pain or discomfort when chewing, an indication of advanced periodontitis. Unfortunately, this symptom is frequently overlooked or dismissed, delaying necessary treatment.

 

Receding Gums and Exposed Tooth Roots: A Late Stage Symptom

Receding gums, exposed tooth roots, and sensitive teeth often manifest in the late stages of gum disease. These symptoms highlight significant damage beneath the gum line, indicating the disease’s progression.

Stages of Gum Diseases

Gum diseases generally progress in two key stages: gingivitis and periodontitis. Each stage is characterized by a different severity level of inflammation and damage to the oral tissues.

Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease and is characterized by inflammation of the gums due to plaque accumulation at the gum line. The warning signs of gingivitis include red or swollen gums that bleed easily, especially during brushing or flossing. However, discomfort is typically minimal at this stage, which can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment. The good news is that gingivitis is reversible with good oral hygiene and professional dental cleanings.

When gingivitis goes untreated, it can escalate to periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease. In more severe forms of gum disease, the gum infection causes the inner layer of the gum and the bone supporting the teeth to recede, forming periodontal pockets. These small crevices between teeth and gums harbour debris and can become infected. As plaque hardens and proliferates below the gum line, the body’s immune system combats the bacteria. Yet, bacterial toxins and the body’s enzymes can start to erode the bone surrounding and the connective tissue securing the teeth. Periodontitis can result in tooth loss, exposing the tooth root without timely and proper treatment. The condition may also put individuals at a higher risk of systemic issues like heart disease and diabetes. Untreated periodontitis has been linked to some health issues like problems controlling blood sugar in diabetes and respiratory disease.

How To Prevent Gum Disease

Preventing gum disease begins with a commitment to good oral hygiene and overall health practices. Here are some key strategies to ensure healthy gums and a healthy mouth:

 

  1. Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene: Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to clean your teeth at least twice daily thoroughly. Brushing helps remove plaque from the surfaces of your teeth. Choose a fluoride toothpaste, which can help prevent decay. Also, remember to replace your toothbrush every three to four months.
  2. Floss Regularly: Flossing daily is crucial in removing plaque and food particles from between your teeth and under the gum line where your toothbrush can’t reach.
  3. Regular Checkups and Professional Cleanings: Regular visits to dental professionals for checkups and cleanings are essential. Professional cleaning can remove tartar that regular tooth brushing might miss, and dental professionals can spot early signs of gum disease that you might overlook.
  4. Quit Smoking: As mentioned earlier, smoking is strongly associated with the onset of gum disease. Giving up this habit can significantly improve oral health and reduce your risk of gum disease.
  5. Eat a Balanced Diet: A diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and fibre boosts your overall health and helps protect your gums. Consuming plenty of vitamin C and calcium, in particular, can support healthy gums.
  6. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help prevent dry mouth, which can contribute to oral health problems, including gum disease.
  7. Use Therapeutic Mouthwash: Therapeutic mouthwashes can help reduce plaque, prevent or reduce gingivitis, reduce the speed that tartar develops, or a combination of these benefits, according to the American Dental Association.

According to Brisbane Kids Dentist, Gum disease in children, like in adults, is primarily caused by poor oral hygiene that leads to bacterial growth and plaque accumulation on the teeth. This can progress from mild forms, like gingivitis, to more severe forms, like periodontitis, if not properly managed.

According to Brisbane Paediatric Dentists, here are a few factors that can increase the risk of gum disease in children:

  1. Poor oral hygiene
  2. A diet high in sugar
  3. Family history of dental disease
  4. Certain medical conditions such as diabetes
  5. Hormonal changes that occur during puberty

The symptoms of gum disease in children can include:

  1. Red, swollen, or tender gums
  2. Gums that bleed easily, such as during brushing or flossing
  3. Persistent bad breath
  4. Receding gums
  5. Formation of deep pockets between the teeth and gums
  6. Changes in the way the teeth fit together when biting down, or in the fit of partial dentures

Gum Disease Treatment

How Is Gum Disease Treated?

Treating gum disease effectively involves a combination of professional dental care and diligent personal dental hygiene.

 

Non-Surgical Procedures

Non-surgical procedures are often the first line of treatment for gum disease, especially in its early stages. They primarily include:

 

Professional Dental Cleaning

Regular cleanings by a dental health professional can help remove plaque and tartar buildup, preventing the progression of gum disease.

 

Scaling and Root Planing

Performed by a dental hygienist, this deep-cleaning, non-surgical procedure involves removing plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line (scaling) and smoothing the tooth roots to promote reattachment of the gums (planing).

 

Surgical Procedures

If non-surgical treatments aren’t sufficient or the disease has progressed significantly, surgical procedures may be necessary. These include:

 

Flap Surgery/Pocket Reduction

The procedure involves lifting back the gums and removing the tartar. The gums are then sutured back in place so they fit snugly around the tooth, reducing the space where bacteria can grow.

 

Bone and Tissue Grafts

These procedures aim to regenerate any bone or gum tissues lost to periodontitis. A natural or synthetic bone may be placed in the area of bone loss to promote bone growth, while guided tissue regeneration may be used to stimulate gum tissue growth.

Successful treatment of gum disease, whether surgical or non-surgical, requires the patient’s commitment to a rigorous dental hygiene routine at home, regular follow-up appointments with a dental health professional, and overall health management.

Gum Disease Treatment in Brisbane

Trust your gum disease treatment in Brisbane to Pure Dentistry! From dental emergency in Brisbane to general anaesthesia and easy Humm and SuperCare payment options, your dental needs are covered. Contact us by phone number 07 3343 4869 or book online.