How To Recognize And Treat Periodontitis

Periodontitis is primarily caused by the body's immune system attacking and ultimately destroying the bone that holds the teeth in place. The facial bone plays a vital role in our overall health and helps to shape our face and if this bone becomes infected it leads to a multitude of problems.

One such problem occurs when bacteria are allowed to remain on the teeth in the form of plaque. An unchecked build up of plaque will lead to gingival crevices forming around the teeth. These crevices then agitate the immune system and cause gingivitis.

If left untreated, gingivitis can turn chronic and will eventually lead to the development of periodontitis. The body's immune system attempts to get rid of periodontitis by removing the bone that holds the infected tooth.

Over time, the gingival crevices redden, swell, and deepen. Thus, the teeth lose support and are prone to fall out. Apart from regular brushing and flossing of teeth, the body's only other form of defense using saliva to reduce bacteria.

People who lose teeth early in life typically do so because of periodontitis. This oral disease is commonly found in people who have poor oral hygiene and eat an unbalance, unhealthy and sugary diet.

It is very easy for people to prevent plaque, gingivitis and periodontitis from developing in their mouths. Foremost is oral hygiene, followed by a balanced diet and regular visits to the dentist. Also, by brushing teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, the chances of developing periodontitis is vastly diminished.

In ancient civilizations such as Ancient Egypt, the use of twigs and leaves to clean teeth was widespread. While the Egyptians may not have fully understood dental hygiene, they knew that keeping teeth clean and healthy would reduce the chances of serious dental issues later in life. Many African tribes still chew leaves that contain antibacterial properties.

Furthermore, cultures that have developed outside of Western influence tend to have a regular diet and rarely consume large amounts of sugar. They tend to eat fruits, red meat, fish and other food stuffs that are rich in protein and low in sugar. What's more, these cultures have not become addicted to nicotine as found in tobacco while many people from Western nations have.

Looking at these differences between the habits of other cultures and comparing them to our own simply stresses how much healthy habits can do. In summary, the risk factors associated with periodontitis are defects to the immune system, diabetes, genetic predisposition, poor oral hygiene and smoking.

To prevent plaque, gingivitis and periodontitis from forming, it is recommended that people brush their teeth at least twice a day, using correct brushing techniques. Instructions for these brushing methods can be found at all good dental clinics and online.

Also beneficial is the cleaning between teeth by using dental floss, but the top preventative measure is to quit smoking immediately if you are a smoker. This will not only prevent teeth from falling out, it will also improve a person's life.