Facts About What Causes Periodontal Disease: The Most Common Risk Factors

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a chronic inflammation of the gums that is caused by a buildup of bacteria-laden plaque that irritates the gum tissue. The mildest form of periodontal disease is gingivitis which, if left untreated, can eventually result in the development of periodontitis—the most serious form of gum disease and the leading cause of tooth loss in adults 35 and older.1 The most common risk factors for developing this disease2 are:

  • A family history of periodontal disease
  • Hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, menstruation, puberty and menopause
  • Illnesses and diseases that interfere with proper immune functioning such as diabetes
  • Poor lifestyle habits, such as maintaining an unhealthy diet, smoking or chewing tobacco
  • Improper daily oral care and neglecting to have regular professional cleanings
  • Certain medications that reduce the amount of saliva in the mouth

When not treated properly, toxins that are produced by plaque, in combination with the body’s constant inflammatory response, can lead to a breakdown of the connective and bone tissue that are responsible for holding the teeth in place to the point where the gum tissue and bone can become irrevocably damaged.

The good news is that the best treatment for periodontal disease is prevention—and it’s simply a matter of practicing good habits when it comes to your oral hygiene. Dental Herb Company offers oral care products made with the highest quality pure essential oils and organic herbs instead of the harsh chemicals found in most oral care products. When used as an integrated herbal protocol along with regular flossing and dental hygiene maintenance, Dental Herb Company products help fight bacteria that can cause gingivitis and lead to more serious gum diseases. If your gums are more red and puffy than normal or you have noticed bleeding when brushing or flossing, the Dental Herb products can help to reduce bacteria and prevent periodontal disease from progressing.

How natural treatment for periodontal disease plays a key role in a healthy lifestyle

There are many health benefits to using natural dental care products over commercial varieties, and consumers are increasingly becoming aware of this fact and making the switch. Herbal mouth care products are made from ingredients that are naturally occurring rather than those that are produced in a laboratory. Studies have shown that since microorganisms do not develop a tolerance to the antibacterial effects of the essential oils used in herbal toothpastes and mouth rinses, they are even more effective in preventing tooth decay and periodontal disease than commercial toothpaste that relies on toxic antibiotics like triclosan to kill germs.

The increase in consumer demand for organic and natural products has now extended beyond dietary staples and into the dental care aisle. People are looking for additional ways in which they can eliminate artificial ingredients and chemicals from their diets, and changing their brand of toothpaste is an effective way to limit toxins that have the potential to have long-term negative accumulative effects on the body. The majority of commercial toothpastes contain fluoride because of its cavity-fighting properties, but it can be highly toxic in large doses, especially for young children. In fact, in 2009 there were over 23,000 calls to poison control regarding fluoride toxicity from toothpaste.3 These toothpastes also contain the detergent sodium lauryl sulfate, which damages the protective mucous lining of your mouth and can exacerbate bad breath and lead to canker sores. In addition, many of the artificial dyes and sweeteners that are added to these over-the-counter oral care products have been linked to behavioral and other health problems.4

Of course, one of the last places you’d expect to find pesticides, cancer-causing chemicals, and toxic additives that have been linked to the development of Alzheimer’s disease is in your medicine cabinet. Sadly, all of these toxins and questionable additives are found in the majority of commercial toothpaste brands5. You brush your teeth with the intention of keeping your teeth and gums healthy, but while you are doing this, are you exposing your body to a cocktail of toxins? The potential for long-term consequences that can result from an accumulation of these chemicals is cause for concern and reason enough to make the switch to 100% natural tooth care products. 

Prevent periodontal disease by paying attention to the warning signs and practicing proper oral care

In order to fight gingivitis and prevent it from worsening, it is imperative that you brush, rinse and floss your teeth regularly in order to reduce the amount of plaque build up under the gum line. One of the best ways to boost your oral hygiene routine is to use natural products, such as those made by Dental Herb Company.

Dental Herb Company products are made with precisely calculated proportions of the finest quality pure essential oils and organically grown herbs to work synergistically in reducing oral bacteria and maintaining healthy teeth and gums. The unique Tooth & Gums System includes a Tooth & Gums Tonic®,  Tooth & Gums Essentials® Toothpaste,  PerioSpot Gel® Under the Gums Irrigant® and a Tooth & Gums Spritz.® These products provide the greatest results when used together. Dental Herb Company products are available through thousands of dental and health professionals nationwide, and are also available online.  Dental Herb Company natural oral care products can help combat bacteria that can lead to periodontal disease. Ask your dentist about Dental Herb Company or order some for yourself so that you can experience the benefits of heathier teeth and gums!

References:

  1. “Fallacies About Gum Disease.” Perio.org. American Academy of Periodontology, n.d. Web. http://www.perio.org/consumer/f1.html
  2. “Gingivitis.” Cleveland Clinic. The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, n.d. Web. http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/gingivitis/hic_gingivitis.aspx
  3. “Dental Products.” Fluoridealert.org. Fluoride Action Network, n.d. Web. http://www.fluoridealert.org/issues/dental-products/toothpastes/
  4. Baker, Scott. “The 5 Hidden Dangers In Toothpaste.” Down With Basics. Down With Basics, 3 July 2011. Web. http://downwithbasics.com/the-5-hidden-dangers-in-toothpaste
  5. Turnbull, Philippa. “The Dangers of Toothpaste and Deodorant.” Positivehealth.com. Positive Health Online, n.d. Web. http://www.positivehealth.com/article/environmental/the-dangers-of-toothpaste-and-deodorant