Periodontitis is an infection of the gums that causes damage to the soft tissue that is capable of destroying the bone that provides support to the teeth. Periodontitis can also lead to tooth loss or making it worse due to the risk of having a heart attack as well as stroke and other severe health conditions.
Periodontitis is caused by poor oral hygiene. Brushing the teeth at least twice a day, flossing daily and having regular dental check-up can minimize the chance of having a periodontitis. By enrolling in one of the courses on first aid, you can learn more about this condition.
There are several signs and symptoms of periodontitis which includes the following:
- Swelling gums
- The gums feels tender when touched, the color of the gums are red and purplish
- Presence of pus found between the gums and teeth.
- Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth which make the teeth look longer than normal and new spaces will develop between the teeth.
- Bad taste in the mouth and bad breath
- A loose teeth and changes in the way the teeth fit together when biting.
The different types or classes of periodontitis are chronic periodontitis which is the most common and affecting mostly adults, but children can also be affected, and the aggressive periodontitis which begins in childhood and affects only a small number of people.
Some complications that can be caused by periodontitis include the following:
- Loss of teeth
- Coronary artery disease and stroke
- Premature or low birth weight babies
- Asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and some respiratory problems
- Poorly controlled diabetes
The bacterium that causes periodontitis enters the bloodstream through the gum tissue and can affect the lungs, heart and other parts of the body. The bacteria can enter the arteries found in the heart and will cause inflammation and narrowing of the arteries and will result to heart attacks.
Treatment of periodontitis using vinegar and baking soda
- Pour the toothbrush with warm water and then sprinkle baking soda on the bristles of the toothbrush.
- Then brush it on the teeth for at least 5 minutes, make sure brush the gums and the tongue thoroughly and also the teeth.
- After brushing, do not rinse the mouth. Put 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in the mouth and swish it around the mouth. The baking soda will form foam due to the acid from the apple cider vinegar and this is not harmful.
- Brush the teeth again one more time together with the vinegar and the baking soda in the mouth and then spit it out.
- Rinse the toothbrush in running water, and brush it again in the teeth using plain water, then rinse the mouth using plain water. Do this procedure after each meal.
Preventing periodontitis
In order to prevent periodontitis, it is vital to maintain good oral hygiene that can be practiced throughout life by brushing the teeth at least two times a day – one in the morning and one in the evening along with flossing the teeth at least once a day. It is also advised to visit the dentist regularly for cleaning at every six to 12 months.