Periodontitis is a dreaded disease. It is the aggravated form of gingivitis, the gum disease. Periodontitis or, periodontal disease, happens when your teeth and gums are infected.

What causes the periodontal disease?

Well, poor dental hygiene is probably the biggest factor causing this disease. Let’s look at all the factors that cause periodontitis:

• Tartar and plaque

• Smoking or tobacco consumption in any other form
• Teeth grinding
• Hormonal changes in women
• Deficiency of vitamins A and C

How can you prevent the disease?

The simplest way to prevent periodontitis is to take proper care of your dental health. You have got to maintain high standards of oral hygiene. And, yes, you have to cut down on the number of cigarettes you smoke everyday. Stop grinding your teeth. And visit your dentist at least once every six months.

What are the symptoms of periodontitis?

Here are the warning signs of periodontitis:

• The gums appear swollen.

• The gums become noticeably red.
• The gums become soft.
• The teeth loosen.
• The gums sag, giving more space to the teeth.
• There is pus between the teeth and the gums.
• The gap between teeth starts widening.
• The breath smells bad.

What would happen if you don’t treat periodontitis?

If the periodontal disease is left untreated, here’s what you may face:

• You may lose teeth.

• You may lose bone.
• You may have difficulty in speaking.
• You may become prone to cardio-vascular diseases.
• You may suffer from frequent infections.

Now, if you don’t want to get to the point where your dentist looks at you in wonder, start paying attention to your teeth and gums.

Happy smiling!

Tags: gum diseases, periodontal disease, Periodontitis