ORAL HYGIENE

Periodontal Health
Non-surgical periodontal treatment aims to improve and maintain your periodontal health for a lifetime. Your periodontal health is vital because it affects your overall health. Your gums are a portal to your bloodstream and to your body, and poor periodontal health has been linked to heart attacks, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and premature births.
What Causes Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal Disease is caused by bacteria in the form of plaque. Periodontal disease begins when the bacteria in plaque cause the gums to become inflamed. Plaque can harden into bacteria-harboring tartar that brushing cannot remove. The longer plaque and tartar remain on the teeth and gums, the more harmful they become. The first level of periodontal disease is gingivitis, resulting in gums that are red, swollen, and bleed easily.
When gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to periodontitis, in which gums pull away from the teeth and form "pockets" that are infected. The body's immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line. Bacterial toxins and the body's enzymes fighting the infection actually start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. If not treated, the bones, gums, and connective tissue that support the teeth are destroyed.
Risk Factors in Periodontal Disease
There are many risk factors in addition to your oral hygiene that contribute to your periodontal condition. These are listed as follows:
Smoking. Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors associated with the development of periodontitis. Additionally, smoking can lower the chances of success of some treatments.
Hormonal changes in girls/women. These changes can make gums more sensitive and make it easier for gingivitis to develop.
Diabetes. People with diabetes are at higher risk for developing infections, including periodontal disease.
Stress. Research shows that stress can make it more difficult for our bodies to fight infection, including periodontal disease.
Medications. Some drugs, such as antidepressants and some heart medicines, can affect oral health because they lessen the flow of saliva. (Saliva has a protective effect on teeth and gums.)
Illnesses. Diseases like cancer or AIDS and their treatments can also affect the health of gums. Genetic susceptibility. Some people are more prone to severe periodontal disease than others.