Abstract
When a person gets a cut on the external parts of the body, there is a cause for concern and yet when persons see that their gums are bleeding not much attention is giving to the bleeding. In fact a number of persons believe that gum bleeding is normal because they have been flossing or brushing the teeth too hard. But, the welling of the gum and the bleeding of the gum is a sign that there are hidden problem in one’s mouth. In recent years, the issue of periodontal disease has become a common problem among many persons in the society. The disease can affect the birth weight and delivery of babies and lead to preterm delivery of babies with low birth and in turn neonatal death and a number of health problems. But many persons are unfamiliar with the seriousness of periodontal disease and the way it affects the gingiva and the surrounding structures and eventually this destroys the supporting framework and the bones of the teeth and the periodontal tissues. It is therefore important for persons to become aware of the causes of periodontal diseases and the short and long term effects on persons who suffer from this disease. This paper is designed to give an overview of the history of periodontal disease, the causes of the disease and the preventative measures that person can take to reduce the number of cases of periodontal disease. The writer will look at the views of scholars on the leading challenges that are associated with the disease. Additionally, the paper will address the implications of periodontal disease for the wider society
Key word(s): periodontitis,
The early sign that there is trouble in one’s mouth is the evidence of bleeding and swollen gums. These signs would suggest that there the bacteria that needs medical care. The longer one waits to treat the bacteria, the more likely it is that there will be an increase in the challenges that comes with an unhealthy mouth. The problem is serious and many persons are unaware of the dangers of not treating an unhealthy mouth. The more common definition of periodontal disease is that it is a bacterial infection that affects the all the teeth in the mouth and in particular those that support the jaw. Over the years, dentists have been fascinated by the causes of periodontal disease. Recently, researchers in the field have concluded that the disease stems from the bacteria that form. Oral health is not an autonomous element that is separate from the rest of the human body. It is driven profoundly into the core of the comprehensive health of persons and without proper care of the mouth persons are likely to contract periodontal diseases and other chronic that affect babies, children, adolescents and adults.
Overview of the disease
Many persons are unaware of the various organisms that are connected with periodontal disease, but studies have shown that the disease is associated with organisms including: Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitan, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia. For the average person, periodontal disease is a result of bacteria, but researchers are now revealing that the immune response often mediates the response to the bacteria that is present in the mouth and this in turn will help to stimulate the progress of the disease. Peritonitis results from stress obesity, smoking, genetics, or poor oral hygiene practices and other related medical diseases that and hormonal changes including puberty, menopause, and pregnancy.
There has been an increase in the evidence that supports periodontal diseases and other related chronic illness. Many researchers point out that Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, Bruce Dye et al. reveal that in 2011 and 2012, adults between the ages of “20–64, 91% had dental caries and 27% had untreated tooth decay” (Dye et al., 2015). The Hispanic groups reflected a higher number of untreated tooth decay as reflected by thirty-six percent of their sample (Dye et al. 2015) and non-Hispanic black made up forty-two percent when compared with the numbers for the “non-Hispanic white (22%) and non-Hispanic Asian (17%) adults aged 20–64” (Dye et al 2015).
The alarming figures in Dye et al. research leads scholar to conclude that tooth loss and dental caries are important to understanding the implications for adults suffering from periodontal diseases. Additionally, the study serves as important measures for monitoring the progress of Healthy People 2020 in their efforts to monitor health and health related issues. According to Yousef AlJehani, “periodontitis is one of the most ubiquitous diseases” (AlJehani 2014) which is generally “characterized by the destruction of connective tissue and dental bone support” (AlJehani 2014) which is the result of “an inflammatory host response secondary to infection by periodontal bacteria” (AlJehani 2014).
The disease affects children and adults alike. Adults generally suffer from severe periodontitis which can lead to the loss of tooth while children and adolescents may experiences chronic periodontitis, aggressive periodontitis, or cases of periodontitis that results from systemic diseases (AlJehani 2014). After expensive researches, the general conclusion is that nearly all types of periodontal disease stems from a combination of mixed microbial infections that coexists with specific groups of pathogenic bacteria (AlJehani 2014). Janet Torpy et al., suggests that unhealthy teeth and gums are the reflection of periodontal disease and causes serious health risks (Torpy, 2008). Torpy et al. reiterate the views that periodontitis is a serious diseases that can lead to stroke, heart diseases, and systemic infections (Torpy 2008).
Lillian Bensley et al postulates that there are several processes that allows periodontitis to contribute chronic heart diseases (Bensley 2011) and this should be a cause of concern for persons. The authors further reiterate the theory that systemic inflammation that arises from periodontal infection can lead to the “the initiation or progression of CHD (5) and other chronic diseases” (Bensley 2011). The harsh reality is that periodontitis and the pathogens associated with the disease can affect the entire body. Studies show that and “estimated 40% to 50% of the bacteria in the human oral cavity have been cultured, making our understanding of potential pathogens incomplete” (Bensley 2011). One must become aware of the dangers of periodontitis as this leads to diseases that could have been prevented with early care of the mouth.
Causes of the disease
Studies show that there are a number of causes of periodontitis. The most common cause of the disease is poor dental hygiene. Persons who do not brush or floss on a regular basis will have a build-up in the amount of tartar and plaques that forms on the teeth and this result in unhealthy gums. Smoking is also a cause of periodontitis as it smoking decreases the amount of oxygen that go into the tissues of the gum. The limits or the lack of oxygen provides the ideal opportunity for bacteria to enter the gum and in turn destroys the gum. Diabetes and other chronic illnesses can increase the risk of infections in the body and also contribute to slow or poor healing of infected gums and other tissue in the body.
Medicines have been designed to help the body to fight against diseases and infections, but studies have shown that some medications help to increase the presents of gingival hyperplasia or an overgrowth of gum tissue (Torpy 2008). In other cases, some medication may cause receding gums that can also leads to unhealthy gums. Viral or fungal infections also contribute to periodontitis in adults and children. Interestingly, the common issue of poor nutrition and its impact on one health is also a part of the causes of this disease. The lack of mineral and vitamins lead to deficiencies that can contribute to the risks of infections and does not allow the gums to heal properly. In addition, periodontitis stems from the mineral deficiencies which increase the likelihood of the loss of teeth and gum diseases.
Signs and Symptoms of the disease
Periodontitis is not easy to detect as persons can look for the common symptoms that are associated with the disease. But, having discovered any of the symptoms, it is imperative that person seek dental and medical advice before attempting to treat the disease. The common signs and symptoms of the disease include, puffy or receding gums, pain in the gums, tooth loss or the tooth becoming loose in adulthood, bleeding gums during the brushing or flossing of the teeth, bad breath that does not go away after brushing and excretion of pus from the gums. In addition, the genetic composition of persons impacts the way in which person contract the disease.
Prevention and Risks
Bacteria are notably the leading cause of periodontal disease, nonetheless, there are other contributing factors to the disease and as such persons must become cognizant of the need to engage in proper care of the teeth and gums. Persons who are likely to contract periodontitis because of their genetic composition should take additional care in keeping the gums and teeth healthy. In addition, smoking causes the disease and therefore, persons are at risk of getting this disease. It is therefore important that persons who smoke tobacco or marijuana discontinue the practice.
The length of time one smokes determines that level of risk of contracting the disease. In fact, persons who already have periodontitis should recognize that smoking increases the severity of the disease. Smoking also decreases the chance for the treatment to work as the smoking helps to reduce the effectiveness of the specific treatment. Smokers are more likely to develop more tartar on their teeth and this presents the problem of having deeper periodontal pockets. But, by quitting smoking persons will reduce the likelihood of getting the disease and reducing the challenges of dealing with the disease.
Prescribed medication can cause periodontitis in many patients as these medications cause dry mouths, blood pressure and depression. Patients who take medication for seizures, organ transplants or heart and chest pains must be more aware of the symptoms and seek medical attention early. Bridgework, braces, and misaligned teeth make it difficult for persons to floss and brush their teeth or floss the teeth and this increases the chances of being affected by the disease. The increase in tartar and plaque will cause periodontitis. Persons with these challenges must seek professional help from dentists and periodontists t find the best possible care and measures to treat the disease. Some dentists may refer the patient to orthodontists who are expert in treating the disease.
Stress and fluctuating hormones can increase the severity of the disease. Persons who are under stress should take step to remove the stressors from their lives or seek professional assistance to deal with the stressors. Stress will undoubtedly reduce the body’s inner ability to heal and makes it harder for the body to fight infections. Hormone problems are treated with prescribed medication. In order to reduce the prospects of having periodontitis because of fluctuating hormone problems, persons must again seek medical help to deal with the hormonal challenges.
Conclusion
Periodontal disease is common in a number of persons in the society today because of poor mouth practices, smoking and some prescribed medication. While the disease can create more severe long – term problems, there are measures that can be taken to reduce the likelihood of getting the disease. For those who have already contracted the disease it is important to follow the medical advice of specialties in the field. But, with the lack of concern for the seriousness of the disease many persons are left with chronic ailments and infections in the mouth that can be detrimental to the health and well-being of each person.
Works Cited
AlJehani, Y., (2014) Risk Factors of Periodontal Disease: Review of the Literature, Int J Dent.
2014; 2014: 182513.Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4055151/ 18 Mar 2016
Bensley, L. et al (2011) Associations of Self-Reported Periodontal Disease With Metabolic
Syndrome and Number of Self-Reported Chronic Conditions, Peer Reviewed, Vol 8 (3), Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3103555/ 17 Mar 2016.
Dye, B. A (2015) Dental Caries and Tooth Loss in Adults in the United States, 2011–2012,
NCHS Data Brief No. 197, May 2015, Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db197.htm 19 Mar 2016
Torpy, J. M., (2008) Periodontal Disease, The Journal of American Medical Associations,
JAMA. 2008;299(5):598. doi:10.1001/jama.299.5.598. Retrieved from http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=181412 18 Mar 2016
