Poor nutrition, including a low vitamin C level. Genetics. Certain medicines that cause dry mouth or gum changes. Conditions that lower immunity, such as leukemia, HIV / AIDS and cancer treatment.
Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It's typically caused by poor brushing and flossing habits that allow plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—to build up on the teeth and harden.
What causes periodontal disease? As with many other oral health diseases, bacteria and plaque buildup is often the cause. In fact, plaque buildup (which contains many kinds of bacteria) is the leading cause of gum disease.
Periodontal disease damages the bone, which is not reversible. Once it starts, you will always have it. All levels of periodontitis require treatment by a dentist. A mild case can typically be managed by a general dentist using non-surgical treatments.
Gum disease is an infection of the gum tissue; it isn't an infection of the teeth. Therefore, it is important to understand that removing your teeth will not actually treat or cure your gum disease. However, extractions can be an important part of your overall treatment plan to get your oral health back on track.
Thankfully, it is never too late to get treatment for gum disease. Your specialized hygienic can complete a full diagnosis to help you determine what stage your gum disease has advanced to. Several treatment solutions may be offered depending on the severity of your condition.
The damaging bacteria causing Periodontitis are called anaerobes; they have a distinct odor known in the dental industry as “perio breath.” Quite frankly, it smells like death because it sets up a chronic disease in which vital bone starts to die off.
Symptoms of periodontitis can include: Swollen or puffy gums. Bright red, dark red or dark purple gums. Gums that feel tender when touched.
Psychological stress leads to a transient decrease in salivary flux that promotes plaque and calculus formation which results in periodontal disease [52]. Stress also generates a change in salivary composition [52].
As EBV has the ability to suppress host immunity, it is possible that EBV is a causative agent for periodontitis [4]. Some studies have indicated that EBV DNA is present in saliva, gingival crevicular fluid, subgingival plaque, and gingival tissue in periodontal pockets [5–7].
High-acid foods like tomatoes, citrus fruits, and even soft drinks can damage gums and lead to infection. The acid in these foods erodes the enamel on teeth, which makes them more vulnerable to decay and bacteria.
Improve your oral hygiene- One of the most important things you can do to reverse periodontal disease is to improve your oral hygiene. Be sure to brush twice a day and floss once a day. Consider using an antibacterial mouthwash.
Studies indicate that older people have the highest rates of periodontal disease. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that over 70% of Americans 65 and older have some form of gum disease.
One possible explanation is that the body's natural response to inflammation, which is triggered by periodontal disease, can lead to fatigue and a feeling of tiredness. This can make it difficult to stay alert and can lead to feelings of sleepiness.
Only a dentist can diagnose periodontal disease. If you are suffering with any of the symptoms listed above, schedule a dental exam immediately to find out if you need periodontal treatment.
It affects around half of people aged 30 and older and more than 70% of those over 65. However, despite being common, periodontal disease can be a serious problem if left untreated.
The most common reason for malodor on the floss is gum disease or periodontal disease.
Bad Breath
Since the infection is persistent, the smell is also persistent. If you try everything that you can to improve the smell, but it won't go away, then it is likely that you need treatment for Periodontal Disease. Your dentist has several methods to remove the smell-causing bacteria.
Gum disease
The bacteria growing below the gum line (sub-gingival dental plaque) have a foul smell and contribute to bad breath if not removed. Signs that you have gum disease are bleeding on brushing or flossing, inflamed looking gums, bad breath.
Periodontitis affects more than 47% of adults over age 30 in the U.S. That number jumps to around 70% for adults 65 years and over.
Periodontal disease is not a life-threatening condition.
It's important to see a dentist right away if you ever suspect something is wrong with your gums. Both gingivitis and periodontitis can happen faster than you think. If you ever feel like your gums are tender, look red or swollen, or you're noticing pink on your floss or toothbrush, give us a call as soon as you can.