Periodontal (Or Gum) Disease Is An Infection Of The Tissues That Support The Teeth 

Your teeth are supported b gum tissue (or gingiva), connective fibers called the periodontal ligament that anchor the tooth root into it socket, and bone. With proper gum care, these tissues can help you keep your smile for a lifetime.

Many adults, though, develop some type of periodontal disease. Left untreated, periodontal disease can be a major cause of tooth loss.

What causes periodontal diseases?

The sticky film that constantly forms on your teeth is called plaque, and made mostly of bacteria. Some of these bacteria produce byproducts (called toxins or enzymes) that can irritate the tissues that support your teeth. These byproducts can damage the attachment of the gums, periodontal ligament, and bone to your teeth.

You can remove plaque with good oral hygiene – brushing your teeth twice a day and cleaning them once a day with floss or another interdental cleaner, When plaque is not removed through food oral hygiene, it builds up along the gum line and increases your risk of developing periodontal disease.

Plaque  that is not removed regularly can harden into a rough porous deposit called calculus, or tartar. Tartar itself does not seem to cause disease, but it may make it more difficult for you to remove plaque so it should be removed regularly. Tartar only can be removed when your teeth are professionally cleaned in the dental office.

Do some factors increase the risk of developing periodontal diseases?

Yes, some factors can increase the risk of developing periodontal diseases. If one or more of the following apply to you, it is especially important that you practice good oral hygiene and follow your dentist’s advice to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

• People who smoke or chew tobacco are more likely to have periodontal disease. And it’s more likely to be more severe than in those who do not use any tobacco products.
• Some systemic diseases, such as diabetes, can lower your body’s resistance to infection, making periodontal diseases more severe.
• Many medications, such as steroids, some types of anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, some calcium channel blockers, and oral contraceptives can affect the gums. In addition, medications that reduce your salivary flow can result in a chronically dry mouth, which can irritate your oral soft tissues. Let your dentist know about your medications and update your medical history files at the dental office when any changes occur.
• Bridges that no longer fit properly, crooked teeth or fillings that have become defective can contribute to plaque retention and increase your risk of de-eloping periodontal disease.
• Pregnancy or use of oral contraceptives increases hormone levels that can cause gum tissue to be more sensitive to the toxins and enzymes produced by plaque and can accelerate growth of some bacteria. The gums are more likely to become red, tender and swollen, and bleed easily.

Additionally and of profound significance, researchers have made the connection between gum disease and:

• Atherosclerosis and heart disease — Gum disease may increase the risk of clogged arteries and heart disease. The extent of this connection is unclear. Gum disease also is believed to worsen existing heart disease.
• Stroke — Gum disease may increase the risk of the type of stroke that is caused by blocked arteries.
• Premature births — A woman who has gum disease during pregnancy may be more likely to deliver her baby too early. The infant may be more likely to be of low birth weight. One study showed that up to 18% of premature, low-birth-weight babies might be linked to the mother’s gum disease.
• Diabetes — Diabetic patients with periodontal disease may have more trouble controlling their blood sugar than diabetic patients with healthy gums.
• Respiratory disease — Gum disease may cause lung infections and worsen existing lung conditions when bacteria from the mouth reach the lungs.