Gum Disease brought on by Neglect
A disease which this dentist vigorously searches for a cure would be eliminated if only people would just brush their teeth. In reality, he adds that an estimate of 28 million people in the United States gravely suffer from gum disease or periodontitis. At the peak of their lives, these people will experience tooth decay caused by this disease. According to the director of the University of Washington’s center for research in oral biology, Americans are generally affected by it and they annually spend $5 billion on dental care even if the disease is not lethal.
Research in electrical engineering and biochemistry as well as medicine and dentistry studies include the interdisciplinary fight against gum disease. But most of their research indicates that there is no better preventive measure than regular brushing and flossing of the teeth. Collagen is the connective tissue in the teeth held by the bone. Collagens are like wires but if anything disrupts its structure, it will result to possible teeth loss which is caused by plaque.
In fact, 99 percent of plaque contains bugs or microorganisms. As a result, it induces inflammation of the gums and the supporting structure beneath. This will enable bacteria to develop on the surface of the teeth and in no time, they will act as conquerors if one doesn’t properly brush and floss his teeth. The research goes on and the public’s demand for a miracle increases just because a lot of people won’t brush their teeth. Recently, news from Europe indicated that plaque can be prevented by killing bacteria through the use of mouthwash.
According to the dentist, it was in World War II when the British used bactericide chlorohexidine to cleanse surgical equipment. This substance was used as a mouthwash by a Danish scientist which somehow worked but still with a few drawbacks. One of its flaws was that it stains the teeth black after a moment of applying it. It also causes a temporary loss of taste, he said.
The molecule structure of this drug brings in a more serious damage which is the risk of getting cancer. Based on experience, drugs with this kind of structure used to be safe on people and on animals but new findings indicate that it is cancerous. And now, there is another problem with the drug. It can clean your mouth too much.
Upon sterilizing your mouth, you also kill the bugs. In reality, our entire gastrointestinal tract contains bugs. Without these bugs, we would not be able to properly digest our food, have a proper metabolism, and consume Vitamin K.
Is it good or bad if we could get a drug that selectively kills plaque forming bacteria? I will undeniably put my dollar on bacteria overreaching drugs. Disregarding to take care of your teeth develops gum disease. Brushing will work if they do it. In fact, it is treatable if they only observe proper dental hygiene. But I don’t think you’ll get much of the public to do it.
