DENTAL HEALTH INFO

Dental health is an important topic to obtain knowledge about because gum disease can be the prerequisite to various forms of health problems such as: heart disease, oral cancer, respiratory ailments, premature births and diabetes. Are you aware that nearly 75% of American adults suffer from various forms of periodontal (gum) disease can be reversible in its early stages, but mounting evidence suggests that oral bacteria can lead to life threatening diseases. Are you seeing a dentist on a regular basis?

What Is Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease?

Gingivitis is a mild form of periodontal disease. Dental health begins before gingivitis, but can still be implemented after gingivitis. Gingivitis causes the gums to become red, swollen, and to bleed easily. In most cases there is little to no discomfort during gingivitis and it is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene. Gingivitis can be reversed with professional treatment and good home oral care.

Periodontal Disease

If gingivitis is left untreated this can lead to periodontitis. As time goes by plaque can spread and actually grow below the gum line. Toxins that are released from bacteria in the plaque begin to irritate the surrounding gums. It’s important to maintain good dental health because these toxins can set off a chronic inflammatory response, in which the body turns on itself. This chronic inflammatory response causes the tissues and bone that support the teeth to be broken down and destroyed.

As a result, the gums separate from the teeth, which forms pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums) that become infected. In the advanced stages of periodontal disease the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. In some cases teeth can become loose and many have to be removed.

Below Is A List Of The Most Common Forms Of Periodontitis

Chronic Periodontitis results in inflammation within the supporting tissues of the teeth, progressive attachment and bone loss. This is the most frequently occurring form of periodontitis and is characterized by pocket formation and/ or recession of the gingival. This form is prevalent in adults, but can occur at any age, progression of attachment less usually occurs slowly, but periods of rapid progression can occur.

-Aggressive Periodontitis can occur in patients who are clinically healthy. Common features include rapid attachment less and familial aggregation.

-Periodontitis can involve a manifestation of systemic diseases. Can begin at a young age. Systemic conditions such as respiratory disease, heart disease and diabetes are associated with this form of periodontitis. Hopefully your dental health is at a place where there is no oral disease.

-Nectarotizing periodontitis disease. This is an infection characterized by necrosis of gingivial tissue, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. These lesions are most commonly observed in individuals with systemic conditions such as HIV infection, malnutrition and immunosuppression.

Heart Disease

This is the number one killer of both men and women. Heart disease claims more victims than all forms of cancer and Aids combined, almost one million Americans are killed each year. In people with periodontitis ( erosion of tissue and bone that support the teeth ), several species of bacteria that cause periodontitis have been found in the atherosclerotic plaque in arteries in the heart and elsewhere. This plaque can lead to heart attack. Oral bacteria could also harm blood vessels or cause blood clots by releasing toxins.

Oral Cancer

Each year close to 30,000 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed and almost 9,000 people will die from the disease. Did you know that oral cancer is more common than leukemia, skin melanoma, Hodgkin’s disease, cancers of the brain, liver, thyroid gland, stomach, ovaries, and cervix? In almost 90% of its cases it can be treated successfully. In contrast, if not detected early enough, it can spread to other parts of the body and become nearly impossible to treat. Dental health is an integral part of possibly preventing oral cancer.

Respiratory Ailments

The respiratory system can be compromised when bacteria from periodontal disease travels from the mouth to the lungs and lower respiratory system. In addition, patients who have other diseases are at an increased risk of developing breathing problems.

Premature Births

Studies have shown that mothers with periodontal disease are up to seven times more likely to deliver premature, low birth weight babies. Premature delivery may result from a bacterial infection believed to have started by periodontal disease some researchers believe.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disease and is the 4th leading cause of death among Americans and will result in approximately 159,000 deaths this year alone. Nearly 15 million people in the U.S have the disease and nearly half of them aren’t aware of their condition. Did you know that approximately 95% of Americans with diabetes also have periodontal disease due to an increased susceptibility to infections? Great dental health should be the main goal for all Americans. In addition, a great teeth whitening program can be implemented to increase the brightness of your smile. For more information check out. This is an advertisement.. IvoryWhite

The information provided herein should not be construed as a health-care diagnosis, treatment regimen or any other prescribed health-care advice or instruction. The information is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in the practice of medicine or any other health-care profession and does not enter into a health-care practioner/ patient relationship with its readers. The publisher does not advise or recommend to its readers treatment or action with regard to matters relating to their health or well being other than to suggest that readers consult appropriate health-care professionals in such matters. No action should be taken based solely on the content of this publication. The information and opinions provided herein are believed to be accurate and sound at the time of this publication based on the best judgment available to the authors. However, readers who rely on information in this publication to replace the advice of health-care professionals, or who fail to consult with health-care professionals assume all risks of such conduct. The publisher isn’t responsible for errors or omissions. The Food and Drug Administration have not evaluated these statements. These products aren’t intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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