If you have a severe form of gingivitis known as periodontitis, you may be at risk for structural bone damage in your mouth. While poor oral hygiene can lead to periodontal disease, there are other, less common causes. Here are 4 things that can cause or worsen periodontitis, and what you can do about them:
Menopause
If you are nearing menopause, your hormones will be fluctuating. Estrogen levels dramatically decline during this time, which may be a factor in your oral health. Women need estrogen in order to maintain bone strength and density.
When estrogen decreases, not only can the bones of the spine, hips, and knees get weak, the bones that support your teeth can weaken as well. When these bones fail to support your teeth adequately, you may experience tooth loss and gum disease.
Estrogen and other hormones also help keep soft tissue healthy, including the soft tissue of your gums. If you are in menopause and develop bleeding or sore gums, see your dentist. Also, talk to your physician about estrogen replacement therapy, which will help prevent future bone thinning, and may help restore optimal oral health.
Anti-Seizure Drugs
Certain anti-seizure drugs can cause your gum tissue to grow abnormally. This condition is known as gingival hyperplasia, and causes your gums to grow over and in-between your teeth. Because overgrown gums can make it difficult to effectively remove plaque when brushing, infection-causing bacteria can lead to periodontitis.
If you take medications to control your seizures, talk to your doctor. He or she may recommend that you take a lower dosage, or may switch you to a different anti-seizure medication that is less likely to cause problems with your gums.
In the meantime, maintain a meticulous regimen of brushing and flossing. Do not be afraid to brush or floss your teeth, even if it causes bleeding. The more you floss, the stronger your gums will become. An anti-bacterial mouthwash can also help keep oral bacteria to a minimum.
Autoimmune Disorders
If you have an autoimmune disorder, you may be prone to a dry mouth. Autoimmune dysfunction can lead to problems with your salivary glands, rendering them ineffective at producing enough saliva.
You need saliva to help wash away bacteria in your mouth, and when your mouth is too dry, infection-causing microorganisms can accumulate. This can lead to periodontal disease and the destruction of gum tissue and bone.
If you suffer from a dry mouth as a result of an autoimmune disorder, see your dentist, who can recommend a special mouthwash to help restore oral moisture. In addition to this, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, maintaining a moderate exercise program, and managing your stress levels can all have a positive impact on your immune function, which may help alleviate some of the symptoms caused by your autoimmune disease.
Beta Blockers
Beta blockers are prescription medications used in the treatment of high blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, migraine headaches, and anxiety. While effective in treating these conditions, beta blockers can also cause gum problems.
Like with autoimmune disorders, beta blockers can cause a dry mouth, and if left untreated, can raise the risk for periodontitis. Drinking plenty of non-caffeinated beverages can help keep your oral tissues from drying out, as can over-the-counter mouthwashes that contain special lubricating enzymes.
Even if you experience a severely dry mouth from taking your beta blocker medication, never abruptly stop taking them without consulting your physician. Doing so may lead to a dangerous spike in your blood pressure or an abnormal cardiac rhythm.
If you are in menopause, take anti-seizure drugs or beta blockers, or if you have been diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder, work with both your dentist and primary care physician. When both disciplines are involved in your care, the more likely you are to enjoy good overall health as well as healthy teeth and gums. For more information, contact specialists like Piotrowski Bradley T DDS MS d LLC.
Share18 December 2017
Halloween is a holiday that my children love, and telling them they can't go door-to-door collecting candy would break their hearts. This led me to allowing them to collect candy on the holiday, then rationing it out to them every day instead of letting them gobble it up in just a few days. I always thought this was better for them, but my dentist told me this could be the reason why their February dental check-ups were always their worst ones. Daily candy consumption was taking a toll on their teeth. I started a new tradition of letting them indulge for two days, then giving them the option to swap the rest with me in exchange for a new toy. They never pass on the opportunity for a new toy. I created this blog to encourage other parents find similar tactics to keep their children's teeth healthy after Halloween.