Maintain Oral And Digestive Health With Periodontal Probiotics

By Author: Bishop Chanakira
Total Articles: 54
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You might have noticed that doctors and dentists in commercial advertisements talk only of teeth decay and cavities when discussing teeth problems. It looks as if these issues are the only ones worth anyone's attention, even if a more serious and common problem exist: periodontal (gum) diseases that lead to tooth loss. They include gingivitis or inflammation of the gums, and periodontitis, which involves the bones and the periodontal ligaments that anchor the teeth to their bone sockets of the jaw or skull.

As we all know, the teeth are supported by gums or gingiva, and embedded in the bones in sockets. But the gums do not adhere totally to the teeth: a small gap called sulcus exists between the teeth and gums. With incorrect dental hygiene (read brushing and flossing), plaque can form on the teeth surface and invade down into the sulcus. Plaque produces toxins that damage the gums and other tissues, usually after it hardens into tartar below the gum line. The process is very gradual and hardly noticeable; especially that it is painless although there usually are inflammation and infection.

Gingivitis may be ...
... the first form of the periodontal gum disease to appear, characterized by reddish and swollen gums that may bleed quite easily. This is usually caused by incorrect oral hygiene and is commonly reversible through professional treatment and correct dental practice. Untreated gingivitis leads to periodontitis when the plaque has solidified below the gum line. The plaque bacteria release toxins which irritate the gums as well as force the body to respond with inflammation. The result is that the bones and tissues surrounding the teeth break down, creating bigger gaps between the teeth and gums where the process is repeated. Finally the teeth get loose in their sockets and have to be removed.

The likely aggravating causes of periodontitis include smoking, which reduces oxygen in the mouth and dulls its immune response; diabetes, which aggravates virtually all kinds of body ailments; stress, which enhances hormones that makes the body more infection-receptive; pregnancy and birth control pills; steroids and certain medicines against serious diseases.

The periodontal gum diseases symptoms include:

For gingivitis:
Bleeding and swollen gums, bad breath, bad taste
Sore gums and whitish gum membranes in acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG)

For periodontitis:
Drawn-back gums, exposing tooth roots, making the teeth very sensitive
Deepened sulcus with plaque deposits
Presence of pus in the sulcus spaces, teeth loose in the sockets

Periodontitis sufferers may experience any of the following forms:
1. Aggressive periodontitis characterized by relatively rapid loosening of teeth and bone erosion
2. Chronic periodontitis which is accompanied by inflamed tissues around the teeth and receding gums. The most widespread form and occurs often in adults, though may happen at any age.
3. Periodontitis as a side effect of disease such as heart and respiratory diseases, and diabetes. Commonly starts at young ages.
4. Necrotizing periodontal disease, occurs with lesions in the gums, tissues and teeth ligaments. Often linked to systemic conditions like HIV infection, immunosuppression and malnutrition.

So take care of your teeth; it is the easier and healthier way.
Probiotics are micro organisms that keep us and our digestive systems healthy. To find out more about probiotics gum .