Oral hygiene is critical in preventing periodontal disease, which in some cases is responsible for tooth loss. Periodontal disease affects individuals after the third decade of their life and is more common in males compared to females. Milder forms of periodontal disease may be observed among teenagers.
Causes And Risk Factors Of Gum Disease
Bacteria are responsible for formation of plaque which in turn can result in periodontal disease.
Risk factors of periodontal disease
Some of the leading risk factors associated with the development of periodontal disease include,
- Smoking is considered to be as one of the leading risk factor for development of periodontal disease. Further evidence suggests that smoking lowers the changes of successful treatment of periodontal ailments
- Hormonal changes are another factor that is responsible for development of gum disease especially among adolescent females and women
- Diabetes has also been identified as a high risk factor for development of periodontal ailments, due to lowered immunity and increased susceptibility to infections
- Certain medications tend to interfere with the production and flow of saliva in the mouth.
- Genetic factors are also believed to be responsible for periodontal ailments
Symptoms Of Periodontal Disease
Depending upon the severity of the condition, periodontal disease may manifest in different formats.
- In conditions associated with mild form of inflammation of the gums, the gums are often red and swollen.
- Halitosis or bad breath from the mouth, due to bacterial infection is one of the most common symptoms associated with periodontal disease.
- Pain while brushing, flossing or even biting food is a common indication of periodontal disease
- Bleeding is often associated with periodontal ailments, which might occur especially while brushing the teeth
- In severe cases of periodontal disease, the teeth may become lose and may often be required to be removed due to damage to the tissue holding the teeth in place
Home Remedies For Periodontal Disease
- Vitamin C enhances immunity and the ability of the body to fight infection. Vitamin C is also beneficial in reducing bleeding gums. Increase the intake of foods rich in Vitamin C namely mango, strawberry, cantaloupe, grapefruit, kiwi fruit, etc. Antioxidant property of Vitamin C can reduce the damage caused to the gums by the bacteria
- Gargle using sea salt. Sea salt is alkaline in nature and helps restore the alkalinity of the oral cavity which in turn helps destroy the bacteria and aid in removal of plaque
- Black tea is also considered to have beneficial effect for management of periodontal disease. Tea contains tannic acid which reduces swelling and inflammation of the gums and provides relief.