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AAP Patient Page
Oral Bacteria
"Bacteria is the culprit in Periodontal Disease"
Imagine you're in a jungle. It's warm and moist and there is plenty to feed on. It is also crawling with hundreds of diverse species of living beings. Many are harmless and some are even beneficial to the environment. However, one group can be described as predators, attacking their immediate environment and wreaking havoc far and wide. To stop the wild beasts, you need weapons. What should you grab? A toothbrush and floss. Okay, we're not talking about the Amazon Rain Forest, we're talking about your mouth, but it really is a jungle in there.
More than 500 species of microorganisms have been identified in the mouth. Approximately 15 of these bacterial species have been implicated for playing a role of periodontal disease. Whether or not you get periodontal disease depends on a complex interplay between these bacteria, your response mechanism and environmental factors, such as smoking. Your saliva includes proteins and anti fungal agents, which help get rid of oral bacteria.
The bacteria in plaque cause the gums to become red and swollen and to bleed easily. Eventually, gums separate from the teeth forming pockets. The pockets fill with even more plaque and infection and eventually deepen. Over time, tissue and bone are destroyed and the teeth loosen.
To stop this process, it is necessary to eliminate the infection-causing bacteria that accumulate below the gum line, dental professionals often use simple procedures such as scaling and root planing. These are nonsurgical procedures to remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line. Tooth root surfaces are cleaned and smoothed as the rough surfaces of tartar make it easier for bacteria to get a foothold.
In addition, your periodontist may recommend antibiotic treatments to enhance traditional therapies. These are designed to kill a wide variety of oral bacteria.
Someday, researchers may discover a vaccine to eliminate harmful bacteria from the mouth. Until then, arm yourself with a toothbrush floss and regular dental visits.
"Don't be a yuck mouth, tame that beastly breath"
With all the bacteria proliferating in the human mouth, it is no wonder that about one in four people believe they have halitosis. Bad breath originates from certain oral bacteria producing an abundance of violate sulfur compounds. Bad breath can be caused by several things, including certain foods, periodontal disease, dry mouth, tobacco use or a medical disorder. Here are some breath freshening tips:
- First determine, if you have bad breath. One method is to take a piece of unwaxed un flavored dental floss and floss between your upper and lower back molars. Or, use a dry cloth and wipe it across the back part of your tongue for about five seconds. Wait about a half a minute and then smell it. Asking a friend or family member works too.
- Mouthwashes, breath sprays and mints mask the problem temporarily. In fact, mouthwashes with alcohol may further the problem as, over time, they can dry out the mouth. If you have chronic bad breath, you will want to get to the source of the problem.
- Be aware of foods that trigger bad breath such as garlic, onions and coffee. And, brush your teeth after consuming milk products, fish and meat.
- Keep your mouth moist by drinking plenty of fluids, chewing sugar free gum or sucking on sugarless candy.
- Floss, and brush your teeth, gums and tongue daily. Do not forget to clean behind the back teeth in each row.
- Denture wearers need to avoid plaque buildup under the dentures. Thoroughly clean dentures daily and remove dentures at night to avoid bacteria growth. Denture wearers should continue to see a dental professional regularly.
- Talk with your dentist or periodontist about oral problems that may be the cause. Your dental professional can also tell you about the latest techniques to treat bad breath.
- If you determine that chronic bad breath is not from an oral source, see your physician.
Pregnancy and Periodontal Health
"Baby your oral health during Pregnancy"
While it may be the time to keep your feet up, pregnancy is not the time to relax your brushing and flossing routine. That's because expectant mothers often experience increased gingivitis beginning in the second or third month of pregnancy that increases in severity throughout the eighth month. The increase in estrogen and progesterone levels during this time causes the gums to react differently to the bacteria in plaque and may result in swelling, bleeding or redness or tenderness in the gum tissue.
About half of women experience pregnancy gingivitis. However, women with no gingivitis prior to pregnancy are unlikely to experience pregnancy gingivitis. As many people are unaware of the status of their periodontal health, a visit to a dentist or periodontist for a periodontal evaluation before getting pregnant is a good idea.
In some cases, gums swollen by pregnancy gingivitis can react strongly to the bacteria in plaque and form large lumps. These growths, called pregnancy tumors, are not cancerous and are generally painless. They usually disappear after pregnancy, but if the tumor persists, it may require removal by a periodontist.
"Healthy mouths, healthy babies"
Studies have shown a relationship between periodontal disease and preterm , low birth weight babies. Any infection, including periodontal infection, is cause for concern during pregnancy. In fact, pregnant women who have periodontal disease may be several times more likely to have a baby that is born too early and too small.
The likely culprit is a labor-inducing chemical found in dental plaque called prostaglandin. Very high levels of prostaglandin are found in women with severe cases of periodontal disease.
A study published in a 1999 issue of the journal of Periodontology reports that at least 23 percent of women ages 30 to 54 have periodontitis (an advanced state of periodontal disease). Yet, many people are unaware they have periodontal disease because it often progresses silently.
According to recent research, the more of the mouth affected with periodontal disease, the more likely a woman is to deliver a premature baby. However, women with only a couple of sites in their mouths affected by periodontal diseases are not off the hook. While the study showed there is a definite dose response, the trend for preterm deliveries was observed in women with as little as two sites with attachment loss (a measure of periodontal disease).
"Bacteria is the culprit in periodontal disease"
Imagine you're in a jungle. It's warm and moist and there is plenty to feed on. It is also crawling with hundreds of diverse species of living beings...
"Don't be a yuck mouth, tame that beastly breath"
With all the bacteria proliferating in the human mouth, it is no wonder that about one in four people believe they have halitosis...
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