BEST WAYS OF PREVENTING PYORRHEA

Preventing pyorrhea must begin before it ever lurks its ugly head.  Pyorrhea is an advanced stage of periodontal disease.

The earliest indication of having a disease could lead to pyorrhea is being diagnosed with gingivitis.  Gingivitis is an infection of the gums and begins with an abundance of bacteria in the mouth.  Plaque which resides in the mouth and can form within four hours after brushing the teeth harbors the bacteria.  If the plaque is not removed, it hardens into a substance known as tartar.  If the tartar is not removed, the tartar irritates the gums and causes the gums to become inflamed.

If gingivitis is left untreated, periodontitis sets in.  Periodontitis causes the gums to pull away from the teeth.  Pockets also begin to form between the teeth and gums.  If periodontitis is left untreated the bacteria works its way down into the pockets and causes the infection to spread.  Periodontitis destroys the gums and the bones that support the teeth.

If gingivitis and periodontitis are left untreated the result is pyorrhea.  Pyorrhea causes the ligaments and bones that support the teeth to become inflamed.  Pyorrhea is the number one cause for tooth loss in adults.

Defeating all of the symptoms that can result in pyorrhea must be combated aggressively in the very beginning.  Bacteria which is the source of gingivitis, periodontitis, and pyorrhea must be abated at the first onset.  Eliminate the build up of plaque which harbors the bacteria by brushing the teeth at least two times a day and flossing the teeth daily.  Early detection of an infection starting to form is the most effective way at crippling the bacteria and preventing complications in the future.

There are also conditions that many of us live with on a daily basis that increase our risks of pyorrhea.  These conditions include heart disease, diabetes, and blood disorders.  Diseases such as Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and cancer can also cause in pyorrhea.  These diseases suppress a person’s immune system; therefore, the body is not fully capable of fighting off the bacteria that causes pyorrhea.  These conditions should be monitored closely.

Pyorrhea can also be prevented if we are careful with the lifestyle choices that we choose.  People who smoke, use smokeless tobacco products, and drink excessive amounts of alcohol are increasing their risk of pyorrhea.  Those that consume excessive amounts of sugar are also contributing to the contraction of pyorrhea.  The bacteria in the mouth feed off of the sugar, thus causing the bacteria to grow and spread.  Lastly, one should maintain regular dental check-ups and teeth cleanings.  Visiting the dentist on a regular basis is the most effective way at preventing pyorrhea and any other oral health problem.