Risk Factors of Periodontal Disease

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.