Introduction of Periodontal Disease Amongst Malaysian
Periodontal disease is mostly seen in adults. Periodontal disease and tooth decay are the two biggest threats to oral health.
Periodontal disease is bacterial infections of the supporting structures of the teeth which include the gums and bone. If the infection only affects the gums it is called gingivitis. The gums can become swollen and red, and they may bleed upon brushing, and sometimes spontaneously.
In periodontitis, the more serious form of periodontal disease, the bacteria, directly and indirectly may cause destruction of the structures that hold the gums, tooth and bone together. Bone can be lost, and the teeth may loosen or even fall out.
Image source: KKM
Causes
Bacteria in the mouth infect tissues surrounding the tooth, causing inflammation around the tooth leading to periodontal disease. When bacteria stay on the teeth long enough, they form a film called plaque, which eventually hardens to form calculus. Calculus build-up can spread below the gum line, which makes the teeth harder to clean. Then, only a dental health professional can remove the tartar and help stop the periodontal disease process.
Warning signs
The following are warning signs of periodontal disease:
- Bad breath or bad taste that won’t go away
- Red or swollen gums
- Tender or bleeding gums
- Painful chewing
- Loose teeth
- Sensitive teeth
- Gums that have pulled away from your teeth
- Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- Any change in the fit of partial dentures
Risk factors
Certain factors increase the risk for periodontal disease:
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Poor oral hygiene
- Stress
- Heredity
- Crooked teeth
- Underlying immuno-deficiencies – e.g., AIDS
- Fillings that have become defective
- Taking medications that cause dry mouth
- Bridges that no longer fit properly
- Female hormonal changes, such as with pregnancy or the use of oral contraceptives
Prevention and treatment
Gingivitis can be controlled and treated with maintaining good oral hygiene and regular professional cleaning. Severe forms of periodontal disease can also be treated successfully but may require more extensive treatment. Such treatment might include deep cleaning of the tooth root surfaces below the gums, medications prescribed to take by mouth or placed directly under the gums, and sometimes gum surgery.
What can I do to prevent this disease from developing in my mouth?
To help prevent or control periodontal diseases, it is important to:
- Brushing twice a day and do interdental cleaning once a day for example flossing to remove the bacteria that may cause gum disease.
- See a dentist at least once a year for checkups, or more frequently if you have any of the warning signs or risk factors mentioned above.