A periodontal disease is a dental condition that results in damage to the gums caused by bacteria. It is regarded as the second most common dental problem worldwide. In the worst case scenario, if this disease is left untreated, it can result to severe damage to the tissues of the mouth, bad breath and tooth loss. Other than a threat to oral health, periodontal disease can also be a risk factor for other health issues such as; heart attack or stroke, diabetes, and delivering premature or low birth weight babies for pregnant women.

What is the cause of periodontal diseases?

Bacteria, along with food debris form a sticky film called plaque on the gumline and teeth. Plaque will turn into a hard cavity called tartar, where bacteria will start causing inflammation on the gums, which causes bleeding and swelling and can also cause damage to the bones and the connective tissues of the teeth. The formation of the tartar also can be a risk to open other dental conditions such as dental caries, bad breath, and sensitive teeth. The risk factors for periodontal disease include excessive tobacco smoking, hormonal imbalance for some pregnant women, stress, genetic susceptibility, medical conditions such as cancer and other medications that can affect the production of saliva.

Periodontal disease can be effectively prevented through proper oral hygiene habits such as regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste, regular flossing, eating a well-balanced diet, avoiding sugary foods and quitting smoking tobacco.

Regular dental checkup is highly recommended for patients who have contracted periodontal diseases. Your dentist can assess and create an effective treatment plan for each case. A deep cleaning of the teeth will remove the plaque, and scaling the tartar all over the gumline will help to remove the disease-causing bacteria.