Periodontal diseases are all those that affect the tissues that support and protect the tooth; among them are the gum, periodontal ligament, the cementum of the root of the tooth, and the bone that supports the tooth. Any alteration of any of these tissues can lead to the loss of support and protection of the tooth. In general, patients come to the office when they notice bleeding gums when brushing; other times, they notice redness of the gums, exposure of the root of the tooth, and sometimes pain.
Among the most common dental diseases is gingivitis is a mild inflammation during which only the soft tissues surrounding the tooth are inflamed. Fortunately, gingivitis is a 100% reversible disease. But it would be best if you didn’t neglect the symptoms, as they can go further. Inflammation can begin to break down the bone, cause periodontitis and gradually lead to tooth loss.
Periodontitis is a severe inflammation of the gums that destroys the soft tissues and bones of the tooth that support it. The disease can cause teeth to shake or even fall out. This inflammation is deep, can go all the way to the bone, and can no longer be controlled with simple oral hygiene tips. It is a consequence of poor oral hygiene and is prevented in the same way as gingivitis.
Gingivitis and periodontitis are usually the results of poor oral hygiene. Tartar forms when salts in saliva settle on food debris, and bacteria then grow to form colonies. This, in turn, leads to inflammation.
The causes of gingivitis are:
- Lack of meticulous tooth brushing with adequate frequency favors the formation of tartar and plaque on the teeth, leading to inflammation of the adjacent gum tissues. Tartar is formed by bacteria that grow when food debris and sugar remain on the teeth.
It would be best if you brushed your teeth daily after every meal (3 times). Your brushing should be accompanied by cleaning the area between the teeth with interdental brushes or dental floss, as this is the area that is not easily cleaned with a toothbrush. Finally, it would help if you rinsed your mouth with a mild mouthwash to remove germs.
- Heredity plays a role in developing dental disease; however, nothing is unavoidable if you invest in prevention. Whatever the genetic basis, there is nothing capable of intervening and determining the health of the teeth beyond your care and cleaning.
The causes of periodontitis beyond poor oral hygiene are:
- When food and sugar debris remain on your teeth, the normal flora of your mouth is altered, and bacteria multiply. As a result, over the years, a problem occurs at the base of your teeth and gums (gingivitis) that can no longer be treated with a simple dental cleaning.
Periodontitis is essentially the next stage of gingivitis that has not been treated and, over the years, leads to deeper inflammation in the tooth and gum.
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