The main cause of periodontal disease is bacteria. Although everyone has
bacteria in their mouths, we all have different types of bacteria and our bodies
have different abilities to protect ourselves from these bacteria. Consequently,
there are different ways to protect ourselves against periodontal disease;
decreasing the amount of bacteria in our mouths and increasing our resistance to
the bacteria.
Decreasing the amount of bacteria in our mouths: This is
referred to as "plaque control." Plaque is a sticky, gooey white
substance that is difficult to see in our mouths. Plaque is composed primarily
of bacteria, with skin cells, dead white blood cells (i.e., pus) and food
debris. When plaque is allowed to stick to the teeth, our bodies begin a
process, called inflammation, to rid itself of these irritants. When the
inflammation has been present long enough to destroy the bone holding our teeth,
we call it periodontitis. The most important thing that we can do to reduce the
amount of bacteria in the mouth is to keep it clean, especially between the
teeth where our normal toothbrushes do not fit. Plaque control should be
performed thoroughly at least once per day, but more frequently is preferred.
Please ask us for advice on the most effective method of plaque control for your
mouth.
Increasing our resistance to periodontal disease: Smoking has been shown to increase the risk of tooth loss due to periodontitis ten times more than a non-smoker. It is best to cut back on smoking and preferably stop. Smoking has been shown to effect our immune system, thus increasing our risk to periodontal disease, heart disease, and cancer.
Stress, believe it or not, will also affect our immune system and reduce our
resistance to periodontal disease. Anything that can be done to better manage
our time and sources of stress will help prevent periodontal disease.
Diabetes is a systemic disease that can also dramatically reduce our resistance
to periodontal disease. Following your physicians guidelines with respect to a
low calorie diet rich in protein along with exercise and prescribed medications
is a must. Maintaining a stable level of blood sugar and following the other
guidelines for plaque control and maintenance will counter act the effects of
diabetes on your gums.
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Copyright © 2001 Dale R. Johnstone, D.D.S.