A silent threat to your smile
Periodontitis is a chronic disease of the gums and surrounding tissues that progressively damages the jawbone and can lead to tooth loss. It is one of the most widespread oral diseases and can develop over a long period of time without obvious symptoms. As periodontitis is also associated with systemic diseases, it is important to know what increases the risk of developing it.
Key Risk Factors: what does the LSMU study reveal?
Doctoral dissertation of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU) "Analysis of prevalence and risk factors for periodontitis" provides key insights into the prevalence of the disease in Lithuania and its underlying causes.
The study identifies a number of key risk factors that need to be addressed to protect against the disease:
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Insufficient or incorrect oral hygiene is the direct cause of plaque and tartar build-up. Bacteria in plaque cause inflammation of the gums (gingivitis), which progresses to periodontitis, destroying the tissues that support the tooth.
- Smoking: It remains one of the strongest risk factors. Periodontitis is more common and more severe in smokers.
- Age and Gender: This thesis analyses the relationship between age group, gender and the prevalence of periodontitis. The risk increases with age.
- Systemic Impact: The study may look at how the prevalence of periodontitis is related to certain systemic diseases or general health, highlighting the link between oral health and the whole body.
Prevention and Treatment: two essential steps
To reduce risk of periodontitis, proactive action is needed:
- Good Daily Hygiene: Brushing twice a day and flossing or brushing between the teeth is mandatory.
- Regular Professional Hygiene: Visiting an oral hygienist 1-2 times a year is an essential preventive measure.
- Smoking cessation: This will drastically reduce the risk of developing and progressing periodontitis.
- Periodontist: If you experience bleeding, swelling or looseness of the tooth, contact a specialist immediately.
Additional Supporting Measure: Probiotics for Oral Health
Although the main cause of periodontitis is bacterial plaque, oral microbiota balance is crucial. In recent years, science has paid increasing attention to for probiotics as an additional measure to help maintain a healthy oral microflora.
Lactobacillus reuteri and Better Gum Health
Strain Lactobacillus reuteri is one of the most researched bacteria that can benefit the oral cavity. Studies show that:
- Anti-inflammatory effects: L. reuteri may help reduce inflammation of the gums (gingivitis).
- Pathogen suppression: This bacterium can inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria that cause caries and periodontitis.
Remember: Probiotics should not replace professional oral hygiene or periodontitis treatment, but may be useful as an additional supportive measure to balance the oral microflora. Always consult your dentist about the use of this product.
Source:
This text is based on a review of scientific work by the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU):
Work: Analysis of prevalence and risk factors for periodontitis Type: Doctoral thesis (2020) Link to LSMU CRIS system record: here