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Periodontal literally means "around the tooth."
Periodontal or gum diseases are serious infections affecting the tissues
surrounding the teeth. These tissues include the gums and bone supporting
the teeth.
The main cause of periodontal disease is the accumulation of plaque bacteria. Plaque is an often colorless mass of bacteria
that sticks to teeth, crowns and bridges, and other tissues in the oral
cavity. Plaque is constantly forming on the teeth. Plaque irritates
the gums, causing them to become red, tender, and swollen. With time, the
tissues that attach the gums to the teeth are destroyed by plaque and its
byproducts. The gums "pull away" from the teeth and pockets begin to form
between the teeth and gums. Plaque and calculus continues to fill these
pockets until eventually, the jawbone supporting the teeth is destroyed.
Gingivitis and periodontitis are two stages of
periodontal disease.
The latest research shows that 92 % of us have
calculus (tartar) in our mouths, and 3 out of every 4 has calculus beneath
the gums, where it causes the most severe damage. Over 1/2 of the adults
over the age of 35 are already in the early stages of periodontal disease.
In fact, periodontal disease is the primary cause of tooth loss after the
age of 35.
Periodontal (gum) disease is a serious infection
caused by plaque bacteria. Although much of the bacteria is confined to
the pockets around the teeth, the microorganisms that make up the plaque
can invade the gum tissue and enter the bloodstream, circulating throughout
the body.
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Periodontal Desease- patology of the tissue surrounding the teeth, characterized by the following symptoms:
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Gingivitisis defined as an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque on the surfaces of the teeth at their necks. The gums are swollen and bleed easily. Chronic gingivitis is an early stage of periodontal disease but is reversible with good oral hygiene. Ulcerative gingivitis is painful and destructive. Gingival overgrowth may be caused by drug therapy, e.g. phenytoin. Untreated gingivitis can progress to a more advanced form of periodontal disease with the eventual loss of teeth. |
If you answered YES to any of these questions, you may have some form of gum disease. |
Periodontitisis a more severe form of periodontal disease and usually involves the loss of some tooth support. It is caused by the metabolism of bacterial plaque on the surfaces of the teeth adjacent to the tissues that support and attach the teeth - the gums, periodontal membrane, and alveolar bone. Periodontitis results in the formation of spaces between the gums and the teeth (periodontal pockets), the loss of some fibres that attach the tooth to the jaw, and the loss of bone. The disease is widespread and is the most common cause of tooth loss in older people. Poor oral hygiene is a major contributory factor, but the resistance of the patient also has some influence. |
PlaqueBacteria are the primary cause of periodontal disease. Bacteria continually grow and form an invisible film on the teeth called plaque. Plaque is simply a sticky yellowish-white film composed of bacteria, small particles, proteins, and mucus. This plaque continuously accumulates on the teeth and gums. With proper brushing and flossing plaque is easily removed. |
If plaque is not removed by brushing and flossing, over time, plaque will calcify (harden). |
CalculusPlaque that is not completely removed every day by brushing and flossing leads to a hard substance known as tartar (or calculus).This hardened plaque can no longer be removed with simple brushing and flossing. It must be removed by a dentist. |
Hygienic cleaningTo preveny perio disease and maintain perio tissue in good health, it is essential to have cleanings on a regular basis, and excellent oral hygiene. A person, who already has perio disease, needs a special perio treatment in addition to this. |
Plaque magnified |
TreatmentScaling and root planing- removes plaque and calculus above and below the gum in order to promote reattachment of the gum tissue to the tooth.Surgery - eliminates the pocket and restores healthy bone tissue. Antibacterial treatment - if you have moderate or severe periodontitis, ATRIDOX can help destroy the bacteria that cause chronic adult periodontitis. |
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