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FAQS Facts on Periodontal Disease
Prevalence and extent of periodontal
disease is often measured by attachment loss and/or probing
depth. Attachment loss is the places where disease has caused damage
to the roots of the teeth and gum tissue loss. Probing depth is
depth of a periodontal pocket.
Periodontal disease affects the
mass of tissue in the oral cavity, which is equivalent in size to
the skin on an arm that extends from the wrist to the elbow.
Smoking may be responsible for more than half of the cases
of periodontal disease among adults in this country.
People with diabetes, leukemia, or
AIDS/HIV are at increased risk for developing periodontal
disease.
Stress can affect periodontal disease and can make the infection
more severe and harder to fight. A recent study found high levels
of financial stress and poor coping abilities increase twofold the
likelihood of developing periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease is major cause of tooth loss in adults.
A growing body of research links periodontal disease to heart
disease, diabetes, preterm and low birth weight babies, and
respiratory disease
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Periodontal Disease Risk Factors:
Inheritance factors - most individuals are very susceptible
for the local irritants that cause gum disease. According to government
statistics, three out of four adults in the population are affected
by periodontal disease spanning all ethnic and social levels. Periodontal
disease is believed to be the major cause of over 70% of adult tooth
loss.
Having systemic diseases including high blood pressure
and HIV increase the odds of gum disease due to the diminishment
of necessary fighting forces to combat the gum irritant.
The increase in blood supply to certain tissues in the body due
to hormonal changes during pregnancy also affect gum disease.
Pre-existing gum/perio disease, even in the early stages, can make
these symptoms more severe.
Types of foods, frequency of eating them and smoking have
a huge impact on the risk of perio - over 300 natural bacteria species
live in our mouths, which are strong factors of plaque. Those who
smoke cigarettes maintain a much warmer temperature in the mouth
thereby allowing bacteria to thrive. Additionally smoking dries
the saliva in the mouth depriving the mouth of a much-needed buffer
against bacterial growth. Other habits we engage in e.g. fizzy drinks,
smoking, eating biscuits in addition to eating several meals per
day, also contribute to the creation of plaque which contains various
types of bacteria.
Lack of basic oral hygiene is a major contributor to the
disease; many people do not have sufficient brushing and flossing
habits.
Smoking may be responsible for more than half of the cases
of periodontal disease among adults in this country, according to
a new study published in the Journal of Periodontology. The Study
found that current smokers are about four times more likely than
people who have never smoked to have advanced periodontal disease.
However, 11 years after quitting, former smokers likelihood of having
periodontal disease was not significantly different from non smokers.
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Good News on Periodontal Disease
- Gingivitis - it is a reversible condition. When the causes
have been determined and are removed, the gum tissues will return
to their normal healthy state.
- Periodontal problems can be prevented at almost any stage.
The patient plays a major role in preventing periodontal disease.
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