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Perio Clinix
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 Causes of Periodontal Disease
The main cause of periodontal disease is bacterial plaque, a sticky, colorless
film that constantly forms on your teeth. However, factors like the following
also affect the health of your gums.
Smoking/Tobacco Use
As you probably already know, tobacco use is linked with many serious illnesses
such as cancer, lung disease and heart disease, as well as numerous other health
problems. What you may not know is that tobacco users also are at increased risk
for periodontal disease. In fact, recent studies have shown that tobacco use may
be one of the most significant risk factors in the development and progression
of periodontal disease.
Genetics
Research proves that up to 30% of the population may be genetically susceptible
to gum disease. Despite aggressive oral care habits, these people may be six
times more likely to develop periodontal disease. Identifying these people with
a genetic test before they even show signs of the disease and getting them into
early interventive treatment may help them keep their teeth for a lifetime.
Pregnancy and Puberty
As a woman, you know that your health needs are unique. You know that brushing
and flossing daily, a healthy diet, and regular exercise are all important to
help you stay in shape. You also know that at specific times in your life, you
need to take extra care of yourself. Times when you mature and change, for
example, puberty or menopause, and times when you have special health needs,
such as menstruation or pregnancy. During these particular times, your body
experiences hormonal changes. These changes can affect many of the tissues in
your body, including your gums. Your gums can become sensitive, and at times
react strongly to the hormonal fluctuations. This may make you more susceptible
to gum disease. Additionally, recent studies suggest that pregnant women with
gum disease are seven times more likely to deliver preterm, low birth weight
babies.
Stress
As you probably already know, stress is linked to many serious conditions such
as hypertension, cancer, and numerous other health problems. What you may not
know is that stress also is a risk factor for periodontal disease. Research
demonstrates that stress can make it more difficult for the body to fight off
infection, including periodontal diseases.
Medications
Some drugs, such as oral contraceptives, anti-depressants, and certain heart
medicines, can affect your oral health. Just as you notify your pharmacist and
other health care providers of all medicines you are taking and any changes in
your overall health, you should also inform your dental care provider.
Clenching or Grinding Your Teeth
Has anyone ever told you that you grind your teeth at night? Is your jaw sore
from clenching your teeth when you're taking a test or solving a problem at
work? Clenching or grinding your teeth can put excess force on the supporting
tissues of the teeth and could speed up the rate at which these periodontal
tissues are destroyed.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease that causes altered levels of sugar in the blood. Diabetes
develops from either a deficiency in insulin production (a hormone that is the
key component in the body's ability to use blood sugars) or the body's inability
to use insulin correctly. According to the American Diabetes Association,
approximately 16 million Americans have diabetes; however, more than half have
not been diagnosed with this disease. If you are diabetic, you are at higher
risk for developing infections, including periodontal diseases. These infections
can impair the ability to process and/or utilize insulin, which may cause your
diabetes to be more difficult to control and your infection to be more severe
than a non-diabetic.
Poor Nutrition
As you may already know, a diet low in important nutrients can compromise the
body's immune system and make it harder for the body to fight off infection.
Because periodontal disease is a serious infection, poor nutrition can worsen
the condition of your gums.
Other Systemic Diseases
Diseases that interfere with the body's immune system may worsen the condition
of the gums.
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