Periodontitis and gingivitis
The cause are germs in the mouth that trigger inflammatory processes and are distributed through the blood stream
What is periodontitis?
Put simply, periodontitis is an inflammation of the oral mucosa that occurs especially at the tooth neck. This is where the close adhesion of the oral mucosa to the teeth functions as the body's own barrier for germs. However, if it is injured or inflamed, bacteria have easy access. Plaque and the biofilm directly between the tooth and the oral mucosa (gingiva) irritate the mucosa and it becomes inflamed. The inflamed mucosa (also called tooth pocket) can no longer tightly adhere to the neck of the tooth and thus opens the door for germs.
The consequences of gingivitis
Unnoticed, comparatively large wounds develop. In these pockets, germs can multiply very rapidly and thus further fuel the inflammation. The permanent irritation also inflames the underlying bone that is holding the teeth in place. It then slowly degenerates, so that eventually the teeth can become loose and fall out. The tricky part is that this process is rarely painful and usually only recognized by the dentist. A regular professional tooth cleaning and a thorough daily oral hygiene routine can positively affect the development of this disease and are therefore essential in high-risk patients.
The following systemic consequences are related to periodontitis:
Comparable to periodontitis but relating to implants. If the oral mucosa does not adhere closely to the teeth or the prosthetics of the implants, germs can reach the bone. As with periodontitis, they irritate the bone which is gradually destroyed. After a certain degree of stress, the implant either breaks or falls out.
Extensive studies show that oral cavity bacteria are closely related to the formation of deposits in vessels. They can enter the bloodstream via a non-intact oral mucosa and thus impair the cardiovascular system. If the oral mucosa is injured - as in the case of periodontitis - this means that germs can get into the organism.
Some studies have shown a direct correlation between periodontitis and the aforementioned problems. Certain pathogens (pathogenic germs) were found both in the mouth and in the corresponding problem areas.
- www.adha.org/resources-docs/7228_Oral_Health_Total.pdf (PDF Download)
We have a large variety of germs in our mouths. Among these can also be pathogens (pathogenic germs) which, through breathing, can enter the lungs and cause pneumonia. If the cause (too many bacteria in the mouth) is not permanently combated, pneumonia can occur again and again. A thorough daily oral hygiene routine and a regular professional tooth cleaning are therefore mandatory.
- www.adha.org/resources-docs/7228_Oral_Health_Total.pdf (PDF Download)
Extensive studies have shown a connection between periodontitis and rheumatism. The combination of certain germs and a permanent inflammation in the mouth can lead to the disease. The inflammations put the immune system in a permanently active state, causing corresponding inflammatory cascades, which are related to rheumatism.
Diabetics are 3.5 times more likely to develop periodontitis than healthy people. Their skin has a significantly higher number of germs than the skin of comparison groups. If barrier problems occur due to a toothbrush with hard bristles or an existing periodontitis, injuries and inflammation can develop much faster. Due to the wound healing deficit of diabetics, the healing process is delayed as well. Especially diabetics should therefore avoid any injuries in the oral cavity with a diligent dental hygiene.
If our immune system detects pathogens, it becomes active. In case inflammations in the mouth persist for a long time, germs enter the body, causing it to permanently stay in this state. Over time, a habituation process occurs, so that, in an emergency, the immune system can no longer react quickly. Thus, the natural germ defence is slowed down and reduced accordingly. If germs continuously enter the bloodstream, the immune system is constantly in use. This hyperactivity can also cause other immune responses of the body.
Any kind of inflammation can affect the whole organism and may be the cause of an unfulfilled desire to have children. Inflammations in the mouth, e.g. due to inflamed teeth and, of course, due to periodontitis, initially go unnoticed and painless. However, the affected area can quickly become palm-sized, even without being recognized by typical symptoms such as bloody saliva. Did you know that pregnant women with periodontitis have a 30% higher risk of a premature birth?
- www.kinderwunsch.at/de/zahnmedizin-und-unerfuellter-kinderwunsch
Inflammatory processes in the body influence the agility of the sperm. A study from Turkey shows just that. In the course of the study, research director Oguz examined 80 participants between the ages of 30 and 40 who were suffering from impotence. In comparison with the control group (82 men without problems with impotence), it was found that 53% of the men in the test group had gingivitis. In the control group, this was only the case for 23%. Thus, gum problems can more than double the risk of erectile dysfunction.
Pregnant women with periodontitis have a 30% higher risk of premature birth. Especially during pregnancy, when the female body performs at its peak, the disease has an even stronger effect. The mouth is the entryway for bacteria. Every time you eat, drink or brush your teeth, bacteria enter your body. For a "healthy person", this is not a problem. However, if the mucosa is injured, the germs can get into the bloodstream and spread further from there.
Proper care prevents gingivitis:
When brushing your teeth, make sure that:
- The germs and the biofilm are reduced wherever possible
- the germs do not remain on your toothbrush to get back into your mouth the next time you are brushing your teeth
- the oral mucosa is not damaged
- the germ level is reduced as sustainably as possible
- mucosa soothing agents are used
- substances that can irritate the mucosa are not used