Author: Angela Rogers

Periodontal disease is also known as gum disease. There are many reported cases in which the patients have lost tooth because of gum disease. Just like any disease, the gum disease can be treated best when diagnosed early. You must know the warning signs of gum disease so you can report it as early as possible to your dentist.

These warning signs include bleeding gums, swollen gums, expression of pus when the gums are pressed, increase in the gap between your tooth and the gum, bad breath, difference in the strength of the bite, loosening of tooth. It is important to note here as to what causes the gum disease. The major cause of gum disease occurs because of plaque. The plaque lies between the gum line and the tooth.

It then combines with the sugary substances on which the bacteria act to produce acid and toxins. This then acts on the tooth and the gum resulting in the breakdown of the gum tissue. Brushing the teeth along with flossing is truly important in preventing gum disease because brushing alone is not sufficient to remove the food residue that gets stuck between the gums and teeth.

You can also use fluoride toothpaste as it helps prevent decay. Mouth rinse is also a very good option to help remove bacteria, which prevents tooth as well as gum infection. Some of you might not pay due attention to the periodontal disease or gum disease. The periodontal disease is an irreversible disease process. In this disease, the support of teeth is lost, which results in the tooth to become loose and finally fall out.

Did you know that gum disease is also directly linked to heart attacks and it is also linked with the increased blood glucose levels. Another research suggests that the gum disease is also linked to premature birth. All these facts are the result of periodontitis and have very serious health impact on individuals who do not take proper dental hygiene measures.

There is also a condition known as pregnancy gingivitis. This occurs due to hormonal changes and has a strong impact on eating habits. In this condition, the gums are red, swollen and extremely tender and on brushing, the gums bleed. This condition occurs in about 50% of women who are going through pregnancy. This is also a situation that requires serious attention.

You might have heard of a very serious infectious condition known as Trench Mouth. It is a very painful gum infection. This infection occurs due to poor dental and oral hygiene. Other causes of this infection are lack of sleep, smoking, increased stress. The name Trench Mouth was given to this condition when the soldiers in trenches suffered from severe gum infections, which resulted in necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis.

The only way that you can safeguard yourself from severe gum infections is taking proper care of oral and dental hygiene. Therefore the message goes out to all including adults and children to take proper care of your oral and dental hygiene.

Source: Articlesbase.com

Diabetes, which is not properly controlled, can lead to periodontal disease (of the gums) in both the young and the elderly. Periodontal diseases are infections in the gums and bone that holds teeth in place.

Diabetes and periodontal diseases:
 

Because of changes that occur in the blood vessels with diabetes, thickened blood vessels may prevent the efficiency of the flow of nutrients and the removal of debris from tissues. This impediment in the flow can weaken the gums and bones, making them more susceptible to infection.
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With growing medical research, it become important periodontal disease (gum) can contribute to, or worsen, heart disease and diabetes – serious health problems. Studies show that Gum disease may also lead to the birth of premature babies of low birth weight. The researchers believe that oral infections, such as periodontal disease, characterized by inflammation and bacterial infection of the gums, adversely affect other evils out of the mouth, as the disease allows the bacteria travel by the bloodstream to other parts the body.

“The Hispanic Americans are at high risk for heart disease and diabetes, and recent research suggests that periodontal disease may contribute negatively to those conditions. It’s important that people know that problems with oral health can affect the rest of the body, “says Dr. Gilbert Barajas, Periodontal Health Group of East Los Angeles, and member of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP).

Researchers believe the bacteria of periodontal disease can affect a variety of ways to heart health, diabetes and the birth of premature babies with low weight:

Heart Health
The periodontal bacteria can enter the bloodstream and contribute to the formation of clots – the leading cause of coronary artery disease. The bacteria in the bloodstream can lead also to inflammation of the inner covering of the heart and heart valves, known as bad infective endocarditis.

Among Hispanic men, heart disease and stroke, represent approximately 27 percent of all deaths – more than cancer and AIDS combined. Similarly, heart disease and stroke account for 33 percent, roughly, of all deaths among Spanish-American women – more than cancer, diabetes, pneumonia and influenza combined.
 

Diabetes
Patients with diabetes are more likely to develop periodontal disease. Diabetics, in general, have a more compromised immune system. Moreover, if a diabetic patient has a periodontal infection, there is a greater chance that his diabetic condition worse. Approximately 20 percent of Hispanic Americans aged 65 and over have been diagnosed with diabetes. It is estimated that an additional six percent of the Hispanic American population has diabetes but has not yet been diagnosed.
 

Premature babies of low birth weight:
Pregnant women with periodontal disease suffer from an increase in the production of fluids that induce the work of delivery, leading to premature births of babies of low birth weight. This threat shows the importance of incorporating a periodontal evaluation standard prenatal care.

Approximately 26 percent of the Spanish-American did not receive prenatal care during the first quarter – the most critical period in fetal development, as it is when you develop all its major organs, legs and arms.
“The research shows clearly how important is paying attention to our oral health. It is vital that Hispanic Americans understand that periodontal disease is preventable and treatable. I would advise all performed oral examinations annually to rule out tooth decay, deterioration and the beginning of periodontal disease, “adds Dr. Barajas.

“The symptoms of gum disease in its early stages, are generally difficult to detect. Many people may have this wrong and not know it. Therefore, as indicated by this study, people have to be sure that your dentist or periodontist revise the gums on a regular basis, because the periodontal assessment can help protect health in general, “says Dr. Jack G. Caton, president of the AAP. Read the rest of this entry »