WHAT IS A PERIODONTAL DISEASE?

The word "periodontal" literally means around the tooth. Periodontal diseases, also known as gum disease, are chronic bacterial infections that can damage the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss. Periodontist are the dental professionals who specialize in treating periodontal disease.The main cause of periodontal disease is bacteria and toxins in dental plaque, a sticky colorless film that constantly forms on the teeth. Plaque buildup can lead to the earliest and mildest form of the disease, gingivitis. During this stage, gum tissue can swell, turn red and bleed easily, causing little or no discomfort. Gingivitis is reversible with professional, treatment and good at home oral hygiene without this care, you put yourself at risk for more severe forms of periodontal disease.

Although plaque is the primary cause of periodontal disease, other factors can affect the health of your gums and the bone supporting your teeth. Smoking and tabacco use, stress, medications and Diabetes and other general health concerns, poor nutrition, clenching or grinding your teeth and hormonal fluctuations can increase your chances of getting certain kinds of periodontal disease, and / or decrease treatment effectiveness. Aditionally, you may be genetically prone to periodontal disease. That´s why it´s important for you to get involved in your dental care. You Should Inform your dentist or periodontist of any factors that put you at risk, so that subtle changes in your periodontal health are identified and treated appropriately. If you don´t know the condition of your periodontal health, ask about it.

PUBERTY AND MENSTRUATION

As a young woman´s system matures during puberty, the production of sex hormones progesterone and possibly estrogen increase. These elevated hormone levels may cause an increase in the gum´s sensitivity and lead to a greater reaction to any irritacion, including food particles and plaque. During this time, the gums can become swollen, turn red and may feel tender. Some women experience similar symptoms three to four days prior to their period also due to an increased amount of progesterone in the system.
Occasionally, some women experience menstruation gingivitis. This condition is marked by reappearing gingival (gum) bleeding a bright red swelling of the gums between the teeth or sores on the inside of the cheek. Menstruation gingivitis typically occurs right before a woman´s period and clears up once her period has started. These conditions and symptoms tend to lessen as the amount of sex hormones decrease. However, it is important to mantain oral health during these hormonal fluctuations, including at-home oral hygiene and regular professional dental care, so that the bone and tissues surronding the teeth are not damaged. In some cases, periodontal therapy may be recommended to ensure that your periodontal health is the best!

PREGNANCY AND ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES

There used to be an old wives tale that said, " A tooth lost for every child". While it may seem far-fetched, it actually is based loosely in fact. Your teeth and gums are affected by pregnancy, just as other tissues in your body.
Most commonly, women can experience increased gingivitis or pregnancy gingivitis, beginning in the second or third month that increases in severity through the eighth month. During this time, some women notice swelling, bleeding, redness or tenderness in the gum tissue. In some cases, gums swollen by pregnancy gingivitis can react strongly local to irritants and form large lumps. These growths called pregnancy tumors are not cancerous and generally painless. The usually disappear after pregnancy, but may require professional removal.
The best way to avoid gum conditions associated with pregnancy is to begin with healthy gums. If you are thinking about becoming pregnant, you should visit a periodontist for a full periodontal evaluation.

If you´re pregnant or planning to become pregnant you need to know that your periodontal health can effect the health of your baby. Studies have shown any infection during pregnancy, including periodontal infection, is cause for concern and may put you at significant risk for delivering a premature, low birthweight baby. Why take the chance? Include periodontal health in your prenatal care. A healthy mouth will give you and your baby. Something to smile about.

If you are taking any oral contraceptives (Birth control pills) you may be susceptible to oral health conditions that affect pregnant women. Synthetic hormones in oral contraceptives are designed to mimic pregnancy and may cause your gums to turn red, swell and bleed.
If you are taking contraceptives, careful periodontal monitoring and excellent oral hygiene, including personal amd professional acre are essential to ensure the health of your gum tissue and bone supporting your teeth. As always, it is important to mention any prescriptions that you are taking, including oral contraceptives, to your medical and dental providers. This will help to eliminate the risk of harmful drug interactions caused by popular medications, such as antibiotics, that can lessen the effect of an oral contraceptive.

MENOPAUSE

If you are menopausal or post-menopausal, you may have noticed a change in the way your mouth looks or feels. these symptoms may be related to changes ocurring in your body, but a clear understanding of why this happens is not yet established.
You may experie3nce discomfort in your mouth, including pain and buring sensations in the gum tissue and altered taste, especially salty, peppery or sour. Most women find that estrogen suplements help to relieve symptoms. Additionally, saliva substitutes are available to lessen the effects of a "dry" mouth.
On rare occasions, a woman may experience menopausal gingivostomatitis. This condition is marked by gums that may look dry or shiny, bleed easily and range from abnormally pale to deep red.
During this period of woman´s life, professional cleanings and diligent at-home oral hygiene are esential. if you experience any symptoms associated with meno pause or post-menopause, it´s important to immediately notigy your dentist or periodontist. He or she will tailor a treatment plan to help manage your condition.