A Major Cause Of Tooth Loss
Periodontitis is a more advanced stage of periodontal disease. As the bone and tissues surrounding the teeth deteriorate due to this disease, a gum pocket forms around the tooth. This pocket becomes infected, which destroys more bone and tissue. Eventually, the tooth becomes loose and falls out or needs to be extracted.
It is a disease that affects the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. Gingivitis is an early stage of periodontal disease where the gums may become red, swollen and bleed easily. It begins in early childhood and increases in prevalence and severity in the early teenage years. Bacteria present in plaque cause periodontal disease. If not removed carefully each day by brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into a rough, porous substance called calculus (also known as tartar). Toxins (poisons), produced by bacteria in plaque, irritate the gums. Left in place, the toxins cause the gums to pull away from the teeth and periodontal pockets are formed which fill with more toxins and bacteria. As the disease progresses, pockets extend deeper and the plaque moves farther and farther down until the bone that holds the tooth in place is destroyed. The tooth eventually will fall out or require extraction.
Sometimes gum disease can progress without any symptoms or pain. During a regular dental examination, the dentist checks for signs of periodontal disease, so undetected disease can be treated before it can advance.
The process starts with bacteria. Even in healthy mouths, the sulcus is teeming with bacteria, but they tend to be harmless varieties. Periodontal disease develops usually because of two events in the oral cavity: an increase in bacteria quantity and a change in balance of bacterial types from harmless to disease-causing bacteria. These harmful bacteria increase in mass and thickness until they form a film known as plaque.
In healthy mouths, plaque itself actually provides some barrier against outside bacterial invasion. When it accumulates to excessive levels, however, plaque sticks to the surfaces of the teeth and adjacent gums and causes cellular injury, with subsequent swelling, redness, and heat.
The most important component leading to the disease process, however, is the body's persistent immune response to the bacterial plaque. Specific immune factors are released that cause inflammation and damage that eventually destroys the support structures and bone and can lead to tooth loss.
The keys to success in the battle against gum disease and most oral problems are hidden in nature. Fighting the bacteria that causes the problem is the first place to start and specific species of peppermint and spearmint oils are scientifically proven to be anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-microbial. Get your mouth in mint condition today!
