Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is caused by a bacterial infection which leads to a loss of the bone and gum tissue that supports your teeth. You can lose some or all of your teeth if this condition isn't treated. Eating a diet with the proper nutrients, along with practicing healthy dental hygiene habits, can make you less likely to develop this condition.
Features of Periodontal Disease
One of the milder forms of periodontal disease is gingivitis. Signs of gingivitis include gums that are inflamed, sore and possibly bleeding. If you don't get your gingivitis treated, it can turn into a more serious form of periodontal disease called periodontitis. With periodontitis, your gums have actually started to separate from your teeth, leaving gaps that can get infected. Without treatment, the gums, bones and supporting tissue around the tooth become damaged, and you can lose your teeth.
Effects of Nutrition
A few nutrients are particularly important for preventing periodontal disease. Calcium helps to build up the density of the bones that hold the teeth in place. Vitamin C is important for keeping the connective tissue around the teeth healthy. Zinc, vitamin A, omega-3 fats and folic acid also contribute to a lower risk for this disease. Your body needs sufficient nutrients to keep your immune system functioning well to prevent gum disease.
Considerations
Nutrition is not the only risk factor for periodontal disease. Smoking, genetics, women's hormonal changes, some medications, diabetes, grinding your teeth, obesity, eating disorders and certain illnesses increase your chances for developing periodontal disease. Although periodontal disease is more common in adults, teenagers may get gingivitis if they don't take proper care of their teeth.
Prevention
Proper dental hygiene is needed to prevent periodontal disease. This means not smoking, visiting the dentist for twice-yearly cleanings and checkups, brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing every day. While a balanced diet can provide the nutrients necessary for healthy teeth and gums, diet alone cannot prevent periodontal disease.
Warning
Visit your dentist if you have red, sore or swollen gums that bleed easily, persistent bad breath, receding gums or painful, loose or sensitive teeth, as these could be signs of periodontal disease. The dentist may treat your condition with root planing or scaling, but more severe forms of the disease may require surgery or medications.
References
- American Dental Hygienists' Association: Nutrition and Periodontal Disease
- American Academy of Periodontology: Nourish Your Smile with a Well-Balanced Diet
- American Academy of Periodontology: Causes of Gum Disease
- PubMed.gov: Longitudinal Relationship Between Dietary ω-3 Fatty Acids and Periodontal Disease
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research: Periodontal (Gum) Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
