Causes of Periodontal Disease

Causes of Periodontal Disease

Bacterial plaque is the main cause of periodontal disease. This plaque is a sticky and colorless film that is constantly forming on the teeth, restorations, and appliances in the mouth. It irritates the gums and breaks down the attachment of gum tissues to the teeth, allowing the infection to progress to the underlying bone.

If plaque is not removed it combines with other materials and hardens into a rough, porous deposit called calculus or tarter. The surface of calculus is rough and irregular and is always covered with disease causing bacterial plaque.

It is difficult to bring periodontal disease under control with dental calculus present. Therefore, the removal of this calculus is imperative and can only be removed with a professional cleaning.

Although plaque is the primary cause of periodontal disease, the body's response to that bacteria determines the degree of the destruction of the disease. This is referred to as the host response. In other words, two individuals may have the same amount of plaque, but only one may experience periodontitis.

There are other factors that increase the risk of periodontal disease. Some of these factors an individual can control and others he or she cannot.

Risk factors for Periodontal

Disease

Smoking
Genetics
Diabetes
Systemic disease
Hormonal changes
Stress
Medications
Faulty restorations
Deficient diet
Osteoporosis

Did you know?

More than half of the cases of periodontal disease among adults in the U.S. may be due to smoking.

Periodontal disease makes blood glucose levels in a diabetic harder to control.

Medications that cause xerostomia (dry mouth) increase the risk of periodontal disease due to lack of saliva.

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