What is Periodontitis?

Periodontitis, also known as gum disease, is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and, without treatment, can destroy the bone that supports your teeth. Periodontitis can cause teeth to loosen or lead to tooth loss. It is common but largely preventable.

How Does Periodontitis Develop?

Periodontitis begins with plaque—a sticky, colorless film that forms on your teeth when starches and sugars in food interact with bacteria normally found in your mouth. Proper dental hygiene removes plaque. However, plaque can re-form quickly, usually within 24 hours.

1. Plaque Formation: When plaque stays on your teeth for longer than two or three days, it can harden under your gumline into tartar (calculus). Tartar is more difficult to remove and is filled with bacteria. You usually can't get rid of it by brushing and flossing — you need a professional dental cleaning to remove it.
   
   

2. Gingivitis: The longer plaque and tartar remain on your teeth, the more they irritate the gingiva, the part of your gum around the base of your teeth. In time, your gums become swollen and bleed easily. This condition is known as gingivitis, the mildest form of gum disease.
   
   

3. Periodontitis: Ongoing inflammation leads to periodontitis, causing pockets to develop between your gums and teeth that fill with plaque, tartar, and bacteria. Over time, these pockets become deeper, filling with more bacteria. If not treated, these deep infections cause loss of tissue and bone, and ultimately you may lose one or more teeth. Chronic inflammation can cause immune responses that damage the body's other systems.
   
   
   

Preventing Periodontitis

Good oral hygiene is essential to prevent periodontitis. Here are some key practices:

1. Brush Your Teeth Twice Daily: Use a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth for at least two minutes.
   
   

2. Floss Daily: Flossing removes food particles and plaque from between your teeth and under the gumline.
   
   

3. Use Mouthwash: An antiseptic mouthwash can help reduce bacteria in your mouth.
   
   

4. Regular Dental Checkups and Cleanings: Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups. Your dentist can remove tartar and detect early signs of periodontitis.
   
   

5. Quit Smoking: Smoking is strongly associated with the onset of periodontitis and can lower the chances of successful treatment.
   
   

Diseases Associated with Periodontitis

Periodontitis is associated with various systemic diseases. Some of the significant health concerns linked to periodontitis include:

1. Heart Disease: Chronic inflammation from periodontitis may contribute to cardiovascular conditions.
   
   

2. Diabetes: Periodontitis can make it more challenging to control blood sugar levels, and people with diabetes are more susceptible to infections, including gum disease.
   
   

3. Respiratory Disease: Inhaling bacteria from the mouth and throat can lead to lung infections, including pneumonia.
   
   

4. Rheumatoid Arthritis: The inflammation in the gums is similar to the inflammation in joints for those with rheumatoid arthritis.
   
   
   

Understanding and maintaining proper oral hygiene is critical to preventing periodontitis and related diseases. Regular dental check-ups and adopting a thorough dental care routine can significantly reduce your risk of developing this condition.

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