Periodontal disease: what it is, causes, symptoms, prevention

Periodontal disease is a pathology of the tissues surrounding the teeth. Often there is inflammation of the gums, they bleed, they rise, exposing the necks of the teeth. You get bad breath. Periodontal disease is unpleasant because the gums hurt and the teeth become loose. Swelling and inflammation of the tissues make the smile less attractive. It becomes painful to eat food, especially biting into hard foods. Why does periodontal disease occur and how can it be avoided?

Stages of periodontal disease

Pathology of the gums develops gradually:

• In the mild degree, the necks of the teeth are bare insignificantly. The gums are pale, but there are no significant visual changes. The teeth are firmly fixed in the tissues.
• The average degree of periodontal disease is manifested by an increased paleness and hardness of the gums, the necks of the teeth are more visible. Mild tooth mobility is felt, and the gaps between the teeth are slightly enlarged.
• In the severe stage of periodontal disease, the roots of the teeth are almost completely bare. The teeth move and it becomes impossible to eat solid foods.

Periodontal disease can be localized to a certain area and affect more than one tooth. The generalized form affects the entire upper or lower jaw.

Causes of periodontal disease

The main cause of gum inflammation is a disruption of tissue nutrition. It occurs for several reasons:

• Spasm in the neck area. Because the tissues are clamped, blood flow is impaired. The gums feed small blood vessels, which can become blocked due to tension.
• An imbalance of hormones during pregnancy, puberty or due to thyroid disease.
• Malnutrition: a lack of proteins or fats, vitamins C and D, E, A.
• Systemic diseases: diabetes, atherosclerosis, etc.
• Gastrointestinal pathologies: gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers.
• Bad habits: smoking, alcohol abuse.
• Dental pathologies: malocclusion, decay of teeth, bruxism.

To determine why periodontal disease occurred, you will need to undergo an examination, which will appoint a doctor. Often several causes lead to the pathology of the gums. Knowing what led to periodontal disease, you can not only fight the symptoms, but also reduce or eliminate the effects of the causes of the disease. Then you can stop the gum disease and repair the tissue.

Preventing Periodontal Disease

To keep your gums healthy, you need a comprehensive approach:

• Perform daily oral hygiene. Teeth are brushed thoroughly, but without much pressure. Use a soft or medium-hard brush. Floss to remove food debris between teeth. Get regular dental cleanings at your dentist.
• Eat a nutritious diet to ensure you get enough protein, fats and vitamins. Drink clean water.
• Exercise to keep circulation active. They get rid of cramps in the neck area. Massage your gums.
• Treat teeth on time, with bruxism, use an overnight mouth guard. It should not press upon the gums, but only affect the teeth.
• Get rid of bad habits.
• For any systemic disease, consult a doctor to initiate treatment in a timely manner.

It is not recommended to use abrasive toothpastes and stiff brushes if the gums are sensitive. Teeth whitening procedures are contraindicated during exacerbation of periodontal disease. Such procedures can be performed only in the clinic upon the recommendation of the dentist.