According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 42% of Americans have mild, moderate, or severe periodontal disease. In American adults older than 64, nearly 70% are affected by periodontal disease Lompoc. That condition affects gums and other structures surrounding your teeth.
Without addressing the issue causing periodontal disease, the affected gums will slowly retract from your teeth. Additionally, there can be a loss in the density of the bone holding your teeth. As a consequence, your teeth can get loose and fall. Your dentist can diagnose and treat periodontal disease or other oral problems so that you avoid severe problems.
Make it your goal to keep your gums and teeth in good condition. It is possible to prevent some causes of periodontal disease. Below are reasons you can get periodontal disease.
1. Buildup of plaque
Plaque is a sticky and colorless substance formed from food debris in your mouth mixing with saliva. Without cleaning your mouth properly after eating, the sticky film becomes bigger and covers the surfaces of your teeth and gums.
Plaque is detrimental to the health of your mouth as it attracts microbes that rely on it as a food source. The bacteria in your mouth convert the sugars to produce energy and release acids. The acid slowly attacks and degenerates your gums.
2. Smoking
Smoking or regular tobacco use can lead to periodontal disease as it allows harmful chemicals into your bloodstream. The chemical substances can impair your immune system, which helps you deal with foreign elements that might attack your body. Once you have a weakened immune system, your gums can get infected and diseased easily.
Furthermore, gum disease makes healing challenging since your gums do not receive enough nutrients. Chemicals from smoking reduce the ability of your blood to carry oxygen and other nutrients.
Additionally, avoid smoking or tobacco use as it often makes your teeth and tongue less vibrant and produces smelly breath. It can also distort your sense of taste and smell.
3. Significant fluctuations in hormones
During puberty, your body produces more sex hormones, which boosts blood flow. The increased blood flow and sensitivity put your gums at risk of bacterial infections and plaque buildup. Moreover, menstruation, pregnancy, or hormonal birth control methods can cause significant hormonal fluctuations.
4. Medical problems
Gums covering your teeth form a barrier that prevents bacteria from entering your body and causing infections and inflammation. Diseases that can cause periodontal disease are stroke, heart disease, osteoporosis, and diabetes. Periodontal disease can also easily affect prematurely born babies with low weight.
Medicines for depression and heart conditions and preventing pregnancy can also cause gum disease. Some drugs will cause reduced saliva production and flow, causing dry mouth. A dry mouth encourages the attack and spreading of bacterial infections.
A mouth that is crowded with teeth or has crooked teeth can also promote the occurrence of gum disease. Moreover, ensure your body doesn’t suffer nutritional deficiencies that can trigger periodontal disease.
Contact CaliDental today to schedule a consultation with a dentist that diagnoses and can treat periodontal disease.
