You're enjoying a delicious dinner when suddenly, a sharp pain comes from your gums, forcing you to stop your cutlery. This pain is not uncommon, and it can be a warning of a widely overlooked health problem – periodontitis. Periodontitis is not just a minor problem in the mouth, it lurks a greater risk and can even lead to permanent loss of teeth.
Let's hear Mr. Zhang's story. Mr. Zhang, a 70-year-old retired teacher, used to think that occasional bleeding gums and slight pain were just minor problems, until one day, he was horrified to find that one of his teeth was crumbling. It all stems from periodontitis, which has been neglected for a long time. Mr. Zhang's experience is not an isolated case, but reflects a common phenomenon in which many people lack the necessary understanding of periodontitis.
Periodontitis: The Invisible Killer of Oral Health
Periodontitis, an often overlooked oral disease, is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. It starts as a mild inflammation of the gums that is painless, but if left unchecked, can eventually lead to impaired tooth stability and even tooth loss.
What is Periodontitis?
Periodontitis is chronic inflammation of the supporting structures of the teeth, including the gums, alveolar bone, and periodontal ligament. It is usually caused by plaque (a film of bacteria that adheres to the teeth) that, if not removed with proper oral hygiene, can lead to inflammation of the gums and eventually periodontitis.
Symptoms of periodontitis
Initially, periodontitis may not be easy to detect because it is usually not painful. But as the disease progresses, symptoms become more pronounced, including:
Red, swollen or bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing. Bad breath or bad breath. The gums are receding, causing the teeth to look longer. In the advanced stage, the teeth may become loose, affecting chewing and speech.
Effects of periodontitis
In addition to dental problems, periodontitis can also have an impact on overall health. Studies have shown that periodontitis is associated with systemic health problems such as cardiovascular disease and abnormal glucose metabolism (diabetes). Therefore, timely identification and treatment of periodontitis is not only essential for oral health, but also an important part of protecting overall health.
Periodontitis: not just the tip of the iceberg for dental problems
Periodontitis, often mistaken for just an oral problem, is actually a warning of your overall health. Let's delve into the main causes of periodontitis, which is not only the protection of your teeth, but also the maintenance of your overall health.
Oral hygiene Xi: the "number one culprit" of periodontitis
Improper brushing techniques: A too hard toothbrush or too hard brushing can cause gum damage and provide a door for bacteria to invade.
Ignore the importance of dental floss: Flossing not only removes food debris, but more importantly reduces the build-up of bacteria between your teeth.
Lifestyle Factors: A Potential "Enabler"
Smoking Xi: The harmful substances in tobacco can directly damage the oral mucosa and reduce the self-repair ability of the gums.
Unbalanced diet: Foods high in sugar can easily promote the growth of oral bacteria and exacerbate periodontitis.
Systemic health issues: the "mastermind" of periodontitis
Abnormal glucose metabolism (commonly known as diabetes): This condition weakens the oral resistance and makes the gums more susceptible to infection.
Increased blood pressure in the systemic arteries (i.e., hypertension): This can lead to reduced blood flow to the gums, affecting gum health.
The Age Factor: A "Lurker" to be Ignored
As we age, the gums naturally degenerate, their resistance decreases, and periodontitis is more susceptible.
Periodontitis: Not just an oral problem, but a wake-up call for the health of the whole body
Periodontitis is often mistaken for a minor problem in the mouth, but in reality, its effects extend far beyond the mouth. This inflammation not only leads to tooth damage, but can also be a potential catalyst for multiple diseases throughout the body.
The Invisible Killer of Dental Health:
Periodontitis first affects the health of teeth and gums. It can cause red, swollen gums, bleeding, and even loose and lost teeth. Periodontitis destroys periodontal tissues, including the bones that support the teeth, which can lead to permanent tooth loss.
Potential triggers of cardiovascular disease:
Studies have shown that periodontitis may be associated with cardiovascular disease. Inflammation and infections in the mouth can spread through the bloodstream, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis, which in turn can affect heart health.
Complex challenges for patients with dycometabolic glucose (diabetes):
Periodontitis is an important consideration for patients with dybetic glucose. This inflammation may make blood sugar control more difficult, and in turn, abnormal glucose metabolism may exacerbate the severity of periodontitis.
Association of respiratory diseases with periodontitis:
Inhalation of pathogenic bacteria in the oral cavity in patients with periodontitis can lead to respiratory infections, especially in older people with weakened immunity.
General Health Impacts:
Periodontitis can be a sign of many systemic health problems, including malnutrition and chronic fatigue. It affects people's quality of life, from their daily diet to their overall health.