ETIOLOGY OF PERIODONTAL DISEASES
DH 23 - Mrs.Callaghan
What causes Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is a disease of the gums that can lead to bone damage and tooth lose as it progresses. The primary cause is the buildup of bacterial plaque but other factors in the mouth and body can make it worse.
Periodontal disease is caused by bacterial plaque that forms continuously throughout the day and night. Bacteria in the mouth mix with food particles and elements of the saliva to form this thin colorless layer that coat the tooth surface. With time, the soft plaque layer picks up minerals from the saliva and crystallizes, then it becomes a hardened deposit called Calculus. Calculus deposits grow as the soft plaque layers collect on its surface as well and then crystallizes. Bacterial plaque can crystallize into calculus with 24 hours. Bacterial plaque can be removed with brushing and flossing; calculus cannot be removed with these conventional methods.
DH 23 - Mrs.Callaghan
What causes Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is a disease of the gums that can lead to bone damage and tooth lose as it progresses. The primary cause is the buildup of bacterial plaque but other factors in the mouth and body can make it worse.
Periodontal disease is caused by bacterial plaque that forms continuously throughout the day and night. Bacteria in the mouth mix with food particles and elements of the saliva to form this thin colorless layer that coat the tooth surface. With time, the soft plaque layer picks up minerals from the saliva and crystallizes, then it becomes a hardened deposit called Calculus. Calculus deposits grow as the soft plaque layers collect on its surface as well and then crystallizes. Bacterial plaque can crystallize into calculus with 24 hours. Bacterial plaque can be removed with brushing and flossing; calculus cannot be removed with these conventional methods.
Periodontal disease is a chronic infection of the tooth-supporting structures.
Bacterial biofilm accumulates to the gingival sulcus which starts an immune response from the body that causes gingival inflammation. This is called Gingivitis, the mild form of periodontal disease. Gingivitis does not affect the underlying supporting structures of the teeth, and can be reversed by removing the bacterial plaque and calculus. Once removed the immune response stops, gingival inflammation resolves and the tissues revert back to their healthy state. Chronic gingivitis results in mild gums bleeding during tooth brushing.
However, if these local irritants are not removed Gingivitis can progress into Periodontitis that results in loss of bone support and connective tissue and is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Chronic periodontitis is usually asymptomatic until the disease is so severe that teeth shift and loosen, or are lost.
Bacterial biofilm accumulates to the gingival sulcus which starts an immune response from the body that causes gingival inflammation. This is called Gingivitis, the mild form of periodontal disease. Gingivitis does not affect the underlying supporting structures of the teeth, and can be reversed by removing the bacterial plaque and calculus. Once removed the immune response stops, gingival inflammation resolves and the tissues revert back to their healthy state. Chronic gingivitis results in mild gums bleeding during tooth brushing.
However, if these local irritants are not removed Gingivitis can progress into Periodontitis that results in loss of bone support and connective tissue and is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Chronic periodontitis is usually asymptomatic until the disease is so severe that teeth shift and loosen, or are lost.
Who gets gum disease?
People usually don't show signs of gum disease until they are in their 30s or 40s. Men are more likely to have gum disease than women. Although teenagers rarely develop periodontitis, they can develop gingivitis, the milder form of gum disease. Most commonly, gum disease develops when plaque is allowed to build up along and under the gum line.
How do I know if I have gum disease?
Symptoms of gum disease include:
People usually don't show signs of gum disease until they are in their 30s or 40s. Men are more likely to have gum disease than women. Although teenagers rarely develop periodontitis, they can develop gingivitis, the milder form of gum disease. Most commonly, gum disease develops when plaque is allowed to build up along and under the gum line.
How do I know if I have gum disease?
Symptoms of gum disease include:
Any of these symptoms may be a sign of a serious problem, which should be checked by a dentist. At your dental visit the dentist or hygienist should:
- Bad breath that won't go away
- Red or swollen gums
- Tender or bleeding gums
- Painful chewing
- Loose teeth
- Sensitive teeth
- Receding gums or longer appearing teeth
Any of these symptoms may be a sign of a serious problem, which should be checked by a dentist. At your dental visit the dentist or hygienist should:
- Ask about your medical history to identify underlying conditions or risk factors (such as smoking) that may contribute to gum disease.
- Examine your gums and note any signs of inflammation.
- Use a tiny ruler called a 'probe' to check for and measure any pockets. In a healthy mouth, the depth of these pockets is usually between 1 and 3 millimeters. This test for pocket depth is usually painless.
How is gum disease treated?
The main goal of treatment is to control the infection. The number and types of treatment will vary, depending on the extent of the gum disease. Any type of treatment requires that the patient keep up good daily care at home. The doctor may also suggest changing certain behavioral changes, such as quitting smoking, as a way to improve treatment outcome.
REFLECTION
After learning and understanding about periodontal disease, I feel confident about talking to patients and I have more knowledge about the disease. I can explain the differences between gingivitis and periodontitis and know how to treat those diseases differently in any situation due to different individual responses, tissue statuses, and anatomical variations. In addition, seeing more patients further will contribute one of the most important experience for me in the career. Together, my knowlegge and experience will prepare me a better dental hygienist everyday.
The main goal of treatment is to control the infection. The number and types of treatment will vary, depending on the extent of the gum disease. Any type of treatment requires that the patient keep up good daily care at home. The doctor may also suggest changing certain behavioral changes, such as quitting smoking, as a way to improve treatment outcome.
REFLECTION
After learning and understanding about periodontal disease, I feel confident about talking to patients and I have more knowledge about the disease. I can explain the differences between gingivitis and periodontitis and know how to treat those diseases differently in any situation due to different individual responses, tissue statuses, and anatomical variations. In addition, seeing more patients further will contribute one of the most important experience for me in the career. Together, my knowlegge and experience will prepare me a better dental hygienist everyday.