Gum Diseases 101: Gum disease is associated with an increased risk of heart attack. When the bacteria that cause them enter the bloodstream, white blood cells release clotting factors that contribute to both heart attack and stroke.
What is it about?
Gingivitis (superficial gum disease) is a common infection that manifests as swelling of the gums. It can appear at any age and lead to periodontitis (advanced stage of illness). The latter occurs when the accumulation of plaque causes the formation of small pockets on the edge of the gum; The gingival tissue then detaches itself from the tooth. In the long run, the plaque can reach the jaws (your jaw), and your teeth risk to take off.
Periodontitis is the leading cause of tooth loss in the elderly. The risk of suffering from gum disease increases with age because even the tissues of healthy gums end up being detached from the teeth, exposing the roots. However, when the roots are exposed, they are more easily damaged by the plate.
People at Risk
Some medications commonly prescribed to the elderly, such as diuretics or medicines for high blood pressure, have the effect of decreasing saliva production. Saliva plays a major role in protecting the teeth by removing food particles and neutralizing the acids in the plate.
Some diseases are also involved: arthritis, for example, insofar as it makes it harder to maintain daily teeth, and diabetes, which slows down the healing of wounds, leading to infection. Finally, many older adults have a reduced diet, diminishing the ability of the body to fight infection.
Gingivitis can be treated with rigorous dental hygiene (brushing and dental floss) and regular professional teeth cleaning. If you are not very healthy, your risk of suffering from gum disease is higher; Follow the advice given below. Also, ask your dentist about fluoride protective treatments: they are not only for children. As for periodontitis, unlike gingivitis, it requires medication and surgery.
Your periodontist may prescribe an anti-infectious drug to be taken internally or applied to the periodontal pocket. For example, Atridox, a slow-release doxycycline gel, which must be used for seven consecutive days. The gel solidifies when used inside the periodontal pocket.
Changes in lifestyle
- Give up your addiction to sugar. There is nothing like it to promote the development of bacteria. If you absolutely should consume it, then brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash.
- Consume lots of fruits and vegetables. These foods contain antioxidants that help to regenerate the tissues. As a bonus: raw, they contribute to the cleaning of the teeth.
- Stop smoking. The results of a study of 12,000 adults showed that smoking quadrupled the risk of suffering from periodontitis. Also, smokers heal less quickly than others, following surgery.
- Brush your teeth. Do it at least twice a day using a soft bristle brush, and spend about two minutes, rather than the average 45 to 60 seconds. Also, brush your tongue because bacteria abound.
- Do not forget to pass the dental floss every day. Insert it between your teeth into a C shape and move it from bottom to top. Moreover, do not forget the bottom teeth!
The scaling and polishing of the roots have the effect of removing the plaque and polishing the surfaces of the affected sources so that the tissues of your gums can adhere again. When the pockets are very deep, the Neumann operation is used to cut the gums up to the bone, allowing the roots to be decalcified and polished. The gums are then sutured. If periodontal disease reaches the maxilla, tissue regeneration or bone grafting can save your teeth.
Another dentistry. Trained in esthetic dentistry, holistic dentists also use a variety of other methods, such as acupuncture for pain relief, and may recommend certain dietary supplements or stress reduction techniques (stresses weaken the system Immunity, increasing the risk of gingivitis).
- Consult your dentist regularly. Have your teeth examined and cleaned every six months or if you are prone to gingivitis, every three months.
- Take vitamin C. You can take up to 1000 mg a day to boost your immune system and therefore increase the resistance of your gums to bacteria. Also, this vitamin fortifies weakened gingival tissue.
- Take calcium. This mineral stimulates the formation of bones and teeth. Nutrient Reference Intakes (DRIs) are currently 1300 mg (the amount that 4 cups of milk supply) for young people aged 9-18 years, 1000 mg for men and women aged 19-50 years, And 1200 mg for people over 50 years old.
- An additional coenzyme Q10 may be helpful. Naturally present in human cells, this substance increases tissue oxygenation. At doses of 60 to 100 mg per day, it may help reduce bleeding and inflammation. To increase absorption, take coenzyme Q10 as a capsule.
- Take a multivitamin supplement. Opt for a product containing vitamin C and calcium. However, you may still need to take a calcium supplement.