You would be amazed to know that
there are about 75% American adults who are suffering from some form of
periodontal disease. It does not end
here. The percentage that had a little
knowledge about that they were suffering from periodontal disease is about 60%. The most common early forms of periodontal
disease they are suffering from is gum inflammation and ulcers. In this article we are going to discuss about
the various risk factors that predispose to periodontal disease.
Improper dental hygiene is one of
the biggest factor that accounts for bacterial infection as well as plaque
formation.
The acidic environment in mouth
provides an excellent breeding place for bacteria. Foods such as sugars and other acidic foods
allow the bacteria to grow in high numbers.
The dental work in the form of
caps, fillings or crowns that are not done properly allows the debris to get
lodged in between them, which causes the formation of plaque, which in turn
results in gum swelling and infection leading to periodontal disease.
Mostly the area that becomes the
breeding ground for bacteria and the area where the gum infection takes place
is the wisdom teeth or the third molar.
It is always advised that
individuals must check in with their dentists to get regular dental checkups.
According to recent studies it is
found that there are certain organisms that cause periodontal disease without
any evidence or signs of problems.
In females, hormones are
responsible to predispose them to gingivitis.
This condition appears in some of the pregnant women and this problem is
also seen as a side effect of birth control pills.
When progresterone levels are
high it causes the dilatation of blood vessels, which results in the
inflammation of blood vessels, this hormone also results in the blockage of
collagen as well as the supportive protein elements responsible for gums.
There is reduction in the level
of estrogen, which is commonly seen after menopause. This results in the decrease of bone mineral
density and in turn leads to bone loss.
The condition of bone loss is directly associated with periodontal
disease and osteoporosis.
