Periodontitis: Symptoms, Causes, & Prevention

Periodontics is a severe gum infection that damages the soft tissue as well as the bone that supports your teeth. As a result, you may lose your teeth. However, it is preventable with proper oral hygiene practices, such as brushing your teeth after meals, flossing your teeth before sleeping, and visiting your periodontal specialist at least once a year.

Symptoms

Here are some common signs of periodontal diseases. 

• Swollen gums
• Bleeding gums
• Gum tenderness
• Receding gums
• Increasing spaces between your teeth
• Pus between your teeth and gums
• Bad Breath
• Pain while chewing

Causes

Plaque is considered to be the main reason for gum diseases. Besides, there are several other reasons that can cause periodontal diseases.

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes during pregnancy, puberty, menopause, and monthly menstruation make gums more sensitive that creates an ideal situation for gingivitis to develop. 

Diseases

Health concerns such as cancer, HIV, and diabetes can also cause periodontal diseases. For example, diabetes reduces the body’s ability to use blood sugar that makes diabetics more prone to cavities and periodontal diseases.

Medications

Some medicines can damage your oral health. They reduce the saliva flow. The reduction in saliva flow gives place for abnormal growth of gum disease.

Family History

A family history of dental diseases can also make you prone to periodontal diseases. So, if you know people in your family have suffered from periodontics, you should keep meeting a periodontal specialist from time to time to have your gums examined.

Prevention

The best way to avoid periodontics is to follow good oral hygiene practices.

Good Oral Hygiene

Here are some good oral hygiene practices.

• Brush your teeth after your meals.
• Brush at least for two minutes every time.
• Clean your tongue after brushing your teeth.
• Gargle with a mouthwash after snacks.
• Drink more water.
• Floss your teeth before going to bed.

Regular Dental Visits

Visit your periodontist at least once a year. However, if your dentist tells you that you are more prone to periodontics, then you should ask them at what interval you should visit them. Stick to their recommendations as well.