"Causes of Periodontal Disease"

Periodontal disease is the phrase used to describe diseases affecting one’s oral health concerning the oral tissues. The affected tissues mainly include the alveolar bone, cementum, periodontal ligament, and gingiva. These oral diseases can range from being simple cases of inflamed gums or more severe cases where there is grave damage to the soft tissues and bones supporting the teeth. In some of the worst cases, teeth are even lost due to periodontal disease.

There are several kinds of diseases which cause oral health concerns affecting the structures which support the teeth. Periodontal diseases, however, are most commonly caused by inflammatory lesions caused by plaque. Traditionally, these have been divided into two main categories namely periodontis or gingivitis. According to data and numerous studies, periodontis cases are always preceded by gingivitis, but it does not follow that when a person has gingivitis, it will automatically progress to periodontis.

The main cause which leads to an increased risk of getting periodontal disease is plaque and poor oral hygiene. Plaque is the sticky substance which accumulates in the mouth especially in between the teeth which contains bacteria. Plaque buildup starts when bacteria which are already in the mouth break down the sugars from food and drinks into acid. This acid will combine with the bacteria in the mouth and form a sticky film which is what becomes plaque.

Plaque can usually be removed by regular brushing and flossing of the teeth. When it builds up, however, it will harden and become a substance which is known as tartar. This sticks more firmly onto teeth and can begin the development of periodontal diseases when not removed by a dentist.

Poor oral hygiene also contributes to a person’s risk factor when it comes to developing different kinds of periodontal diseases. Not properly brushing and flossing one’s teeth can lead to plaque and tartar buildup. Bacteria which grow and multiply in plaque can irritate the gums. Gum irritation is one of the most telltale signs of budding periodontal disease. Not being able to change one’s toothbrush at least once every three months can also harbor more bacteria on the toothbrush which can lead to further bacterial infection.

Bacterial infection caused by poor oral hygiene will lead to gum swelling and irritation. In combination with plaque as well as tartar buildup, these factors may increase one’s risk factors of developing gingivitis which can negatively lead to more serious cases of periodontis. These main causes of oral diseases can be avoided simply by having good oral hygiene and regularly sticking to this routine.