Periodontitis and Your Health

Periodontitis can affect the body in a negative way and this will affect every part of the system. There have been many studies on how periodontal disease may affect the body and how it is being linked to the increased risk of diabetes, respiratory disease, pregnancy complication, stroke, cancer and heart disease.

What is the Relationship Between Periodontitis and Health Problems?

There have been different theories that try to explain a link found between health issues and gum disease or other health problems. Periodontitis is a result of the bacteria and if it is not checked, bacteria can reach to deep pockets found between the gums and teeth. The gum can bleed, turn sore or can look red. Too much bacteria can cause the gum disease which can enter in the blood stream and travel to reach the entire body.  The harmful bacteria found in a mouth, were found out that they may hurt the lungs, brain and heart and it can also affect women who are pregnant. Such bacteria cannot be found in the mouth if the person is healthy.  As the body will be trying to fight off the foreign bacteria, the risks to suffer pregnancy complication, respiratory disease, diabetes, stroke, cancer and heart disease will increase.

The body is a complete entity so what can attack a certain body part, it will affect the entire body also. If you have improved oral health, you will also get improved health in general.

To deal with health problems caused by periodontitis, it is important to take good care of the teeth.  Regardless of who you are, if you have teeth in the mouth, then you have to floss and to brush on regular basis.  In case you fail to do this, then it can damage your teeth, mouth and gums in long term.  However, the problem that results from the periodontitis will go beyond the gum disease and cavities.

Periodontitis and heart disease: even if the researchers are still learning how gum disease may cause heart disease, there is a strong association that makes them to believe that it is so.  It has been found out that periodontitis increases the risk of heart disease even for people who are healthy otherwise. Scientists theorized the inflammation which is caused by gum disease can be the cause of heart problems in some cases.  It has also been found out that people who have preexisting health problem have increased risks of suffering the cardiac problem when they start to suffer gum disease.

Periodontal disease may lead to the stroke

Periodontitis is also believed to increase risks of getting stroke.  Even if the relationship is yet to be established, the research is still underway but people who suffer oral infections are at risk of suffering the stroke more compared to the people who have no oral problem.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease, a common disease that impacts many people, is a dental infection that harms your gums and jaw bone. Periodontal bacteria are found in your mouth naturally; however, they may become serious if the plaque build-up is on your teeth for a long time. Periodontal bacteria build-up is most common in areas that are difficult to reach while brushing your teeth. The unwanted bacteria will begin to duplicate causing your body’s defense mechanism to inflame your gums. If the disease is overlooked, you may have severe repercussions due to bone loss in the jaw, loosen your teeth, leading to tooth loss. Periodontal disease is a gradual process that can be detected and prevented during routine cleanings and checkups.

What is Periodontitis Disease?

When a tooth is not cleaned well, tartar develops, which encourages bacteria on the plaque to form. Your mouth can have many types of bacteria while still being healthy. However, if plaque is not removed, it makes it easy for dangerous bacteria to multiply and grow, causing many unwanted dental issues and discomfort. If left untreated, periodontal diseases may lead to tooth loss. Brushing your teeth thoroughly is not likely to remove all of the tartar. Routine checkups and dental cleanings are needed to help prevent and detect periodontal disease. 

Why Surgical Treatment is Required for Advanced Periodontitis?

Flap surgery or pocket reduction surgery: periodontitis leads to tiny incision in the gum which makes the gum tissue to get lifted back and this expose the root for more root planing and scaling. Since periodontitis may lead to bone loss, the underlying bone can be re-contoured so the gum tissue can be sutured back in its old place. After healing, it will be easier for cleaning such area and to maintain a healthy gum tissue.

Getting Periodontal Surgery in Houston, TX

Soft tissue graft: After losing gum tissue, the gum line can recede and the patient may be required to have the soft tissue reinforced. This is mostly done through removing the small amount of the tissue away of the roof of the mouth or plate. It can also come from another donor source and attaching it at the affected place. This will prevent any further gum recession and it covers the exposed root while it gives the teeth a pleasing appearance.

Bone grafting: This is a procedure that is performed when the periodontitis may have destroyed the bone on the tooth root. The graft is made up with small fragments of the bone and the implant-bone can be donated or synthetic. The bone graft can prevent the tooth loss and it holds the tooth in its place. It is also the platform used for the re-growth of a natural bone.

The guided tissue regeneration: this is meant to help the bone re-growth in case it may have been destroyed by the bacteria. The dentist will place a certain piece of the biocompatible fabric between the tooth and the bone. This material will prevent the unwanted tissue against entering in the area which is still healing and the bone can grow back.

Tissue stimulating proteins: this is a technique that requires the application of the special gel in the diseased tooth root. The gel has the protein found in the enamel of the developing tooth and it may stimulate the growth of the healthy tissue and bone.

What are the Symptoms of Periodontitis Disease?

It is easy to know when someone suffers periodontitis with the following symptoms

  • Bleeding gums through flossing or brushing
  • Very red gums which are sore and swollen
  • Chronic bad breath and bad taste in a mouth
  • Shifting and loose teeth
  • Pus in the depressed gums
Periodontitis and Your Health ultima modifica: 2019-10-22T10:31:36-06:00 da Houston Dentist