Causes of gum disease
- Posted by brooger on 11.25.2009
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The main cause of gum disease (periodontal) is the plate, but other factors affect the health of your gums.
Periodontaia diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are serious infections that, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. Periodontal disease can affect one or more teeth. The main cause of periodontal disease is plaque, a colorless, sticky film that constantly forms on teeth. However, factors such as the following also affect the health of your gums.
Follow up:
Smoking / Tobacco
As you probably already know, tobacco use is linked to many serious diseases 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 have a higher risk for periodontal disease. In fact, recent studies have shown that tobacco use may be a risk factor more important in the development and progression of periodontal disease.
Genetics
Research shows that up to 30% of the population may be genetically susceptible to periodontal disease. These people may be six times more likely to develop periodontal disease. Identifying these people with a genetic test, before they show signs of the disease, giving them early treatment can help keep your teeth for a lifetime.
Puberty, pregnancy and menopause in women
The health needs of women are unique. Although brushing and flossing daily, a healthy diet and regular exercise are important for oral health throughout life, there are certain moments in the life of a woman who need extra care, such as puberty or menopause, and moments when you have special health needs, such as menstruation or pregnancy.
During these periods, the body of the woman experiences hormonal changes that can affect many tissues in your body, including gum. Your gums may become sensitive, and sometimes react strongly to hormonal fluctuations. This can make it more susceptible to periodontal disease. Furthermore, recent studies suggest that pregnant women with periodontal disease are seven times more likely to have premature babies and low birth weight.
Stress
As you probably already know, stress is associated with many serious diseases such as hypertension, cancer and numerous other health problems. What you should know is that stress is also a risk factor for periodontal disease. Research shows that stress can make it harder for the body to fight infections, including periodontal diseases.
Medications
Some medications such as oral contraceptives, antidepressants and heart medicines right, can affect your oral health. Therefore, always tell your pharmacist and other providers of health care of all the medicines you are taking and any changes in your overall health, you should also tell your dentist.
Teeth grinding
Has anyone ever told you that you grind your teeth at night? Is your jaw sore to bite your teeth when you are taking something or solve a problem at work? Teeth grinding can put excessive force on the supporting tissues of the teeth and can accelerate the pace at which these periodontal tissues are destroyed.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease that causes altered levels of blood sugar. Diabetes develops from a defect in the production of insulin (a hormone that is the key component to the body's ability to use blood sugar) or the body's inability to use insulin properly. According to the American Diabetes Association, approximately 16 million Americans have diabetes, however, more than half have been diagnosed with this disease. If you are diabetic, you are at greater risk of developing infections, including periodontal diseases. These infections can impair the ability to process and / or use insulin, which can cause a difficult control of diabetes and its infection to be more severe than a non-diabetic.
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