The Dangers of Periodontitis to Oral Health and How to Prevent It

Periodontitis is a bacterial infection that affects the gums, ligaments, and bones supporting the teeth. When plaque is not removed through proper oral hygiene, it hardens into tartar. Over time, this causes the gums to pull away from the teeth, creating pockets where bacteria can thrive.

Periodontitis, often called gum disease, left untreated can become a serious condition that is detrimental to your oral health. It begins as gingivitis—a mild inflammation of the gums—but can progress to severe infection, leading to many dangers to your health. If left untreated, periodontitis can cause tooth loss, bone damage, chronic bad breath, and can impact your overall health. Since the inflammation and bacteria from the gums can enter the bloodstream, periodontitis can cause heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory problems. Periodontitis can also lead to gum recession, tooth sensitivity, and difficulty chewing. Understanding its risks and prevention strategies is crucial for maintaining a healthy smile.

Some common signs of periodontitis are as follows: swollen and painful gums, bleeding during brushing and flossing, receding gum line, frequent bad breath, tooth loss, and formation of deep pockets between your teeth and gums. There are many things you can do to prevent periodontitis. Flossing daily and brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice day remove plaque and reduce bacteria. Scheduling check ups with your dentist at least twice a year for cleaning and exams helps prevent progression to periodontitis and can lead to early detection of gum disease. Smoking weakens your immune system and slows the healing process, and is also a major risk factor to gum disease, tooth loss, and root decay. To maintain strong gums and teeth, a healthy diet rich in vitamin C and calcium supports overall gum health. Keeping track of and managing your overall health plays a crucial role in oral health; conditions like diabetes, hormonal changes, and age can increase the risk of periodontitis.

If you have already developed periodontitis, treatment is essential and crucial for your oral health. Medications like antibiotics can help fight infection and inflammation. Procedures like scaling and root planning can remove tartar and bacteria from below your gum line. In advance cases of periodontitis, surgical treatments may be required to restore gum and bone health.

Periodontitis poses serious threats to oral and overall health, but it is preventable with proper care.If you maintain good oral hygiene, schedule regular dental visits, and address risk factors, you can protect your smile and avoid the complications of gum disease.