Posts Tagged ‘dental health’
Dental disease, specifically those affecting the gums, is one of the most common diseases that affect virtually millions of people. There are many factors that could cause this. As opposed to what some may say about gum disease and tooth loss being only an outcome of plaque and too much intake of sugar, there are actually some other factors that may not have been well disclosed to many as well.
For instance, pregnancy can actually cause the onset of gum disease faster. This is because hormonal changes during pregnancy can create an environment where it is much easier for plaque to flourish and where the gums are more susceptible. So if you are pregnant, you may want to go ahead and see your doctor for preventive procedures as well.
On a side note, oral contraceptives are also shown to increase an individual’s susceptibility to gum disease. People who are taking medications on a regular basis are also prone to dental diseases. Medications can often dry the mouth which also allows bacteria to flourish.
If you are in the habit of grinding your teeth, it is also high time you reverse it, as grinding creates more space in between the teeth and increases the likelihood of pocket traps in the gums.
You may also be interested to know that there is now a test to determine whether you are genetically susceptible to gum disease. This is important because for those who are genetically predisposed to this condition, the amount of oral hygienic measures they take will prove useless in the long run unless other preventive measures are taken.
This article is for information purposes only. It does not seek to provide advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have or think you might have a health problem of any kind, visit your doctor or dentist for advice, diagnosis and treatment. The USFDA has not evaluated statements about products mentioned in this article.
Gum disease is a condition that seems to plague a good number of people, but most especially those who are advanced in age. It is also said to be a silent killer, spawning certain types of heart disease.
However, the question is, is there even a way to prevent it, given its propensity? It is said that over thirty million people have this condition. Causes for this range from poor dental hygiene, lack of hydration to other conditions such as diabetes.
What are your treatment options then? Of course, the preventive care would include regular (and proper brushing of teeth) plus flossing. But if you are already afflicted with gum disease, then you may choose from surgical and non-surgical treatments. In either case, it is important to do what you can do keep your own natural teeth – if at all possible.
When it comes to non-surgical treatments, which best follows AAP guidelines stressing that periodontal treatment should be accomplished in the least invasive but most cost-effective manner as well, the most common would be scaling and planing followed by adjunctive therapy.
It is said that after scaling and planning, most patients would not require additional therapy. However, because of its limitations, there may be a need for some patients to undergo surgical treatments.
Surgical treatments would involve pocket reductions procedures, regenerative procedures, crown lengthening and soft tissue grafts. Of course, these could be much more costly but could be a necessary measure in order to prevent the disease from further spreading and branching off into other complications. Protect yourself from periodontal disease.
*Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only and does not intend to advise upon, diagnose or treat any health problem whatsoever. If you have or think you might have a health problem, visit your doctor or dentist for advice, diagnosis and treatment The USFDA has not evaluated statements about products in this article.