Periodontal Diseases

       

Periodontal or gum disease is a pathological inflammatory condition of the gum and bone support (periodontal tissues) surrounding the teeth.

The two most common periodontal diseases are:

Gingivitis – inflammation of the gum at the necks of the teeth, and

Periodontitis – inflammation affecting the bone and tissues of the teeth.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis occurs in both chronic and acute forms. Acute gingivitis is usually associated with specific infections, micro-organisms, or trauma. Chronic inflammation of the gum tissue surrounding the teeth is associated with the bacterial biofilm (plaque) that covers the teeth and gums. Gingivitis was once seen as the first stage in a chronic degenerative process which resulted in the loss of both gum and bone tissue surrounding the teeth. It is now recognized that gingivitis can be reversed by effective personal oral hygiene practices.

Periodontitis

When periodontal disease affects the bone and supporting tissue, it is termed periodontitis and is characterized by the formation of pockets or spaces between the tooth and gums.

This may progress and cause chronic periodontal destruction leading to loosening or loss of teeth. Though the majority of adults are affected by gingivitis, gingivitis, fortunately, does not always develop into periodontal disease. Progression of gum disease is influenced by a number of factors which include oral hygiene and genetic predisposition.

Factors Affecting Periodontal Disease

The rate of progression of periodontal disease in an individual is dependent on the virulence (or strength of attack) of the bacterial plaque and on the efficiency of the local and systemic immunoinflammatory responses in the person (host). The overall balance between the bacterial plaque challenge and the body’s immunoinflammatory responses are critical to periodontal health.

Diet also impacts on periodontal health, from both the perspective of plaque build-up and that of the body’s immunoinflammatory responses. Stress has also been linked to periodontal disease, but it is not clear whether the relationship has a physiological basis or is due simply to the fact that individuals under stress are less likely to perform regular good oral hygiene.

Because periodontal disease is linked to an increased susceptibility to systemic disease (e.g., cardiovascular disease, infective endocarditis, bacterial pneumonia, low birth weight, diabetes), it is important not only for oral health but also for general health to control periodontal disease.

SENSITIVE TEETH: CAUSES AND PREVENTION!!

Many people suffer from sensitive teeth and it can start at any time. It is more common in people aged between 20 and 40, although it can affect people in their early teens and when they are over 70. Women are more likely to be affected than men.

Eating something warmer, icy or sweet is a big pain for people who have sensitive teeth. This problem affects much of the population, but the good news is that with a few simple tips, it can be easily avoided and even solved.

What does it mean to have sensitive teeth?

The tooth enamel is a tough layer which serves as protection. However, overtime or for some specific reason, such as fracture, bruxism, accident, broken restoration, or bacterial infiltration, this shield begins to be removed, causing the dentin to be exposed. In it, Use fluoride mouthwash. there are dentinal tubules, fluid-filled canals that have nerve endings. Therefore, in cases of tooth enamel wear, hot, cold and even sweet stimuli reach the nerve, making the teeth sensitive and causing pain.

What can cause tooth sensitivity?

There are specific causes that can generate tooth sensitivity. It is worth mentioning more specifically these factors because as they are part of the daily lives of most people, we must be aware!

Oral hygiene is of utmost importance, especially after-meal brushing, as leftover food on the teeth can lead to the formation of bacteria that corrode and erode them, leaving them more exposed. However, at the time of mouth cleaning, brush movements should be light. Otherwise, the gum retracts for protection, leaving the dentin sensitive.

As for food, very citrus fruits such as pineapple and orange and sodas lower the pH of the mouth. This causes the doors for acidity to open, eroding the prisms that form the tooth enamel. Consequently its protection decreases and the sensitivity increases.

How to treat and/or prevent tooth sensitivity?

• Visit the dentist regularly.
• Brush properly, but not excessively.
• Use soft bristle brushes with rounded tips.
• Brushing with light and delicate movements.
• Use specially formulated toothpaste to help tooth sensitivity.
• In most necessary cases, use high fluoride toothpaste (provided by the dentist) to help strengthen the tooth surface.
• Use fluoride mouthwash.

How to take care of Oral Health the ayurvedic way

Ayurvedic oral hygiene:

Oral health of the person defines the overall well-being of a person. If you are orally unhealthy, your physical health cannot be considered perfect. People often ignore their dental hygiene. But this is not a good idea. Only brushing your teeth cannot suffice the proper dental care. We all use chemical-based products to clean our mouth. However, Ayurveda has the best dental tips to take care of the teeth.

How to take care of dental health/oral hygiene using Ayurveda tips?

• Try herbal toothpaste
• Use sesame oil
• Chew liquorice root
• Try cloves
• Use edible camphor

Try herbal toothpaste
Using a herbal toothpaste helps to prevent the tartar build-up in the teeth. Brushing the teeth with a clove, fennel, neem, babool, Mulethi etc. helps to make the gums healthy and teeth strong.

Use sesame oil

Sesame oil is believed to be one of the best Ayurveda tips to take care of dental health. Gargling the mouth with sesame oil and lukewarm water helps to kill bacteria and give beautiful teeth. It even prevents the wisdom teeth pain.

Chew liquorice root

Liquorice root helps to generate more saliva. Saliva is necessary for washing off the bacteria build up in the mouth. It helps to keep the gums healthy and prevent tooth decay. Earlier, people use to chew liquorice root to keep their dental health good.

Try cloves

In case of gum swelling or a toothache, always keep the clove between the two teeth. Let it stay for around half an hour and then take it off. One can also drink clove water or clove tea to bring relief to a toothache.

Use edible camphor

Applying edible camphor to the teeth which are paining is another way to bring immediate relief. But make sure you use the edible camphor which does not harm your health if mingled with the saliva.

How Your Oral Health Affects Your Overall Health

Oral health and overall health

Oralhealth is not only essential for an incredible appearance but it is also very significant for your overall health. Nutrition for the physical body is not the only thing that is facilitated by the mouth. But it also promotes self-esteem and enhances interaction and thus, triggers the feeling of wellbeing.

Oral Health that affects overall health:-

Cardiovascular Ailments and Oral Health – Many people who suffer from periodontitis have a higher heart attack risk as the mouth happens to pave an open path into the body.   Bacteria from the gums that are infected can easily dislodge, make an entry into the blood stream, get attached to the blood vessels and give rise to clot formations. Clot formations can also be triggered by the inflammation from the gum disease. The blood flow to the heart is decreased by clots that elevate the blood pressure and enhances the heart attack risk.

Lung Disease and Oral Health –Lung infections are also caused by periodontal disease. This can range from mild respiratory issues to severe health problems like pneumonia. Although it can be quite difficult to comprehend how taking care of your oral health can make the lungs healthier. But it will make all the more sense if you judge how the bacteria-filled air can damage the lungs.  

Dementia and Oral Health – Gingivitis involves a lot of bacteria and gives rise to new ones in the mouth. These bacteria can enter the brain either through the bloodstream or through the nerve cells in the head. This can even lead to Alzheimer’s’ Disease.

Diabetes and Oral Health–Type 2 diabetes patients have an enhanced risk of developing periodontitis disease. It has been revealed that people with a higher level of gum disease have almost double the risks to develop type 2 diabetes than those with lower levels. There are also different kinds of molecules and they may get attached to the receptors of insulin and prevent the body from using them for preparing glucose into the cells.

Nutrition and Good Oral Health

Oral Health and Diet:

Proper nutrition means eating a well-balanced diet so that your body can get the nutrients needed for good health and wellness. Choosing the right foods in your diet is an important aspect of having healthy teeth and good oral hygiene. Establishing good nutritional habits in kids and teenagers can be especially beneficial for good eating patterns and food choices throughout their lives.

How Nutrition Affects Oral Health?

The foods that you eat come in contact with the germs and bacteria that live in the mouth. If you don’t brush, plaque will accumulate on the teeth. Plaque thrives on the starches and sugars that are found in a lot of foods. When plaque combines with the sugars and starches, an acid is produced that attacks the enamel on the teeth, and eventually, causes tooth decay

Choosing a Healthy Diet:-

Fruits, milk, cereals, bread, and some vegetables contain sugars and/or starches. Carbonated sodas, sweet fruit drinks, and sugary snack foods should be limited.

We don’t have to avoid these foods, just keep in mind that you should eat a balanced diet, brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily.

Healthy Tips:-

• Eat a variety of healthy foods from the five major food groups
• Cut down on snacking in between meals
• Drink plenty of water
• Limit snacks and drinks that are high in sugar
• Brush twice a day
• Floss Daily

While eating healthy foods and avoiding snacks and drinks that are high in sugar are good ways to prevent cavities. Plaque can be removed by brushing and flossing thoroughly. If you have a severe sweet tooth, try starting out by replacing one snack a day with healthy choices.

Dental care and Pregnancy

What is dental health and how does it affect pregnancy?

Dental health is the health of our teeth, mouth and gums and it's very important for all of us to take good care of your teeth and gums while pregnant. Pregnancy causes hormonal changes that increase the risk of developing gum disease which, in turn, can affect the health of your developing baby.

Pregnant women tend to become more susceptible to oral infections and are at increased risk of gum disease and permanent tooth damage. Poor oral health can become a risk to a healthy pregnancy outcome.

How does pregnancy affect your dental health?

1. The levels of certain hormones like progesterone and estrogen, in our body get increased during pregnancy. These can increase your risk for certain oral health problems.
2. Eating habits may change during pregnancy which leads to affect your dental health.

Risk of Periodontal Disease in Pregnancy:

If gingivitis is untreated, it can lead to gum disease. This causes serious infection in the gums and problems with the bones that support the teeth. Your teeth may get loose, and they may have to be extracted (pulled). Periodontitis can lead to bacteremia (bacteria in the bloodstream) and this is a serious condition that needs immediate treatment.  

What can you do to help prevent dental problems?

1.            Regular brushing and flossing can remove plaque and help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
2.          Eat healthy foods which include fruits and vegetables, lean meat, whole-grain breads and pasta and low-fat dairy products. Limit sweets and sugary foods and drink water instead of sugary drinks. Eating healthy foods helps give you and your growing baby important nutrients. Your baby’s teeth start developing between 3 and 6 months of pregnancy.
3.         Nutrients like calcium, protein, phosphorus, and vitamins A, C and D, help your baby’s teeth grow healthy.
   

Can food and drink cause dental erosion?

     

What is tooth decay?

Tooth decay damages the teeth and leads to fillings or even extractions. Tooth decay happens when sugar reacts with the bacteria in plaque. This forms the acids that attack the teeth and destroy the enamel. After this happens many times, the tooth enamel may break down, forming a hole or 'cavity' into the dentine. The tooth can then decay more quickly.

Can food and drink cause erosion?

Acidic food and drinks can cause dental erosion - the gradual dissolving of the tooth enamel. Listed below are the 'pH values' of some food and drinks. The lower the pH number, the more acidic product. pH value lower than 5.5 may cause erosion. 'Alkalis' have a high pH number and cancel out the acid effects of sugars .

·         Mineral water (still) pH 7.6

·         Milk pH 6.9

·         Cheddar cheese pH 5.9

·         Lager pH 4.4

·         Orange juice pH 3.8

·         Grapefruit pH 3.3

·         Pickles pH 3.2

·         Cola pH 2.5

·         Red wine pH 2.5

Vinegar pH 2.0

·        Why is a healthy diet important for oral health?

Eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods from all the food groups promotes healthy teeth and gums. A balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, protein foods, calcium-rich foods and whole grains provides essential nutrients for optimum oral health as well as overall health.

• Drink plenty of water.
• Eat a variety of foods from each of the five major food groups, including:
• whole grains
• fruits
• vegetables
• lean sources of protein such as lean beef, skinless poultry and fish; dry beans, peas and other legumes
• low-fat and fat-free dairy foods

 Does chewing gum help?

Chewing gum makes your mouth produce more saliva, which helps to cancel out the acid in your mouth after eating or drinking. It has been proven that using sugar-free chewing gum after meals can prevent tooth decay. However, it is important to use only sugar-free gum, as ordinary chewing gum contains sugar and therefore may damage your teeth.