Facts on Inflammation in Periodontal Disease

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 80 percent of Americans have some form of periodontal disease. They can have inflammation in the gums or more serious damage to the bone and soft gum tissue. Periodontal disease can cause tooth loss or decay. Of course, people's mouths are full of bacteria. However, when these bacteria and particles, like mucus, constantly form plaque on teeth there can be trouble. When this colorless, sticky plaque is not removed, it can become tartar. Tarter can only be removed by dentists because brushing doesn't work. If the tarter isn't removed, periodontal disease can occur.

Gingivitis

• Harmful bacteria occurs the longer tartar and plaque remain on the teeth. Gingivitis occurs when the harmful bacteria moves to the gums. Then gums become swollen and red. They can also bleed. Gingivitis can be reversed by regular dental appoints for cleaning, brushing and flossing. Gingivitis doesn't include loss of gum tissue or bone. However, when gingivitis is not reversed, inflammation around the gum can occur. When this happens gingivitis has advanced to periodontitis.

Periodontitis

• Individuals with periodontitis are at serious risk of losing teeth. Gums begin to pull away from the teeth. The gum areas form sack or pockets that are infected. Although the immune system tries to fight bacteria, when it's not treated, the bacteria continue to grow or spread under the gum line. Unfortunately, both the body's immune system and the bacteria begin to break down the gum tissue and bone. This causes teeth to loosen.

Healthy People

• There are many peridontitis conditions, but the following four common forms people suffer from. Chronic peridontitis occurs in slow and rapid stages. In the rapid stages, tooth loss happens quickly. The inflammation inside the teeth's support tissue, bone and progressive attachment are affected. That's where the pocket or cup formation happens and the recession of gums. With aggressive periodontitis bone is destroyed and attachment loss, or gum and teeth separation, happens rapidly.

Other Periodontitis

• Necrotizing periodontal disease is found in people with systemic conditions such as immunosuppression, malnutrition and HIV infection. Necrosis of the gums, alveolar bone and periodontal ligament are subject to infections and lesions. Some charaterizations are black or dead tissue, bad odor and change in gum shape. Periodontitis as a manifestation of systemic diseases can occurs in people with diabetes, heart and respiratory disease.

Considerations

• Good oral hygiene can prevent gingivitis and periodontitis. For instance, floss or clean between meals. Go to the dentist for regular teeth cleaning and examinations. Periodontal disease sometimes isn't notice until the late stages of the disease. Brush two to three times daily with a fluoride based toothpaste. However, make sure to replace the toothbrushes approximately every four months.