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ETIOLOGY OF PERIODONTAL DISEASES
The periodontium is the tissue that surround and support the teeth. Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, occurs when there is a bacterial infection of the gums. There are two types of periodontal disease, gingivitis and periodontitis. The periodontium begins and can progress through three stages: health, gingivitis, and periodontitis.
HEALTH
HEALTH
- When there is no disease or bacterial infection of the gums, the periodontium is in a healthy state.
- The gums, also known as the gingiva, is in a healthy state when it is pink, firm, and there is no bleeding.
- Healthy gingiva have pockets from 1 to 3 mm
- Typically, the outlining of healthy gums have scallop-like margins
- In this healthy state, there should be firm gums that fill in between each tooth, and is snug all around.
- Keeping up on good oral hygiene and flossing, maintains a healthy state of the gums, preventing the progression of periodontal diseases.
GINGIVITIS
Gingivitis is a bacterial infection of the gums which destroys the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth.
>patient habits: mouth breathing, misuse of a toothpick, etc.
>faulty restorations: improper crown placement
>occlusal forces: forces caused during chewing
- It can be reversible back to health, in comparison to periodontitis.
- If you have gingivitis, it doesn't necessarily mean it will progress to periodontitis.
- There are two types of gingivitis, acute and chronic.
- Acute gingivitis only lasts for a short period of time. The gums appear soft and swollen with a red or reddish blue color.
- Bleeding is likely, and pocket readings are greater than 3 mm due to the swollen gums increasing the space between your teeth and tissue causing the deeper readings.
- Chronic gingivitis lasts for months or years. The color is bluish red or pale white and is hard with a leathery texture. The gums in between the teeth are flat and not quite snug around the tooth. Bleeding is likely and pocket readings are greater than 3 mm.
- The main cause of gingivitis is when plaque and bacteria accumulates in the gums. Although, there are other factors that can contribute to gingivitis.
- These local factors may increase the risk of getting periodontitis. A few examples of local contributing factors are: calculus, decay, trauma to the teeth or gums, and the anatomy of the teeth. It can also be because of something we did to our gums, such as flossing improperly or misuse of a toothpick.
- Factors that directly cause damage to the gums are:
>patient habits: mouth breathing, misuse of a toothpick, etc.
>faulty restorations: improper crown placement
>occlusal forces: forces caused during chewing
- There are also systemic factors that effect gingivitis. One systemic factor is oral medications because of the side effects they have.
- Some sugar containing medicines can produce more plaque.
- More than 400 over-the-counter-prescription drugs reduce your saliva flow which can increase cavities, and plaque formation.
- Lastly, some medications can cause the gums to get a lot bigger and puffy.
PERIODONTITIS
Periodontitis is a bacterial infection of the gums that cannot be reversible. Once periodontitis has occured, it can be maintained but can never be considered health again.
- The damage periodontitis has done to the gums and tissues is permanent in comparison to gingivitis.
- Gingivitis has no bone loss or permanent damage.
- In periodontitis there is loss of the bone that holds the teeth and loss of tissue that holds the teeth to the bone.
- It appears pink or purplish with a shiny, leathery appearance.
- The tissue is swollen and there is often bleeding. The pocket readings are 4 mm or greater.
- In periodontitis there is a progression of bone loss, which can lead to tooth loss because the bone is what holds the tooth in place. This is why it is still important to take of your periodontitis in it's early stage so it doesn't progress to further bone loss.
- The main cause of periodontitis is the untreated gingivitis that has led up to this stage. Therefore, the local factors that contribute to gingivitis, also contribute to periodontitis.
- Although, there are other systemic risk factors that contribute to periodontitis, such as: tobacco use, diabetes, leukemia, AIDS, osteoporosis, hormones, down syndrome, genetics, and medication. All of these factors increase your risk in getting periodontal disease.
FAQ
1.) What can I do at home to prevent periodontal disease?
The best way to prevent periodontal disease is take care of your teeth and gums on a daily, regular basis. This includes brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day. Seeing a dentist at least every 6 months can be an important preventive measure as well.
2.) How can I treat my periodontal disease?
Your dentist may treat your peridontal disease or may refer you to a periodontist. They will perform a non-surgical procedure called scaling and root planing, also known as a "deep cleaning." In a deep cleaning, the hygienist scrapes all the plaque build-up underneath the gumline and will get rid of the bacteria that help contribute to periodontal disease.
3.) Is periodontal disease contagious?
Periodontal disease is caused by the inflammatory reaction to bacteria under the gums. That bacteria can be spread through saliva, so it would be wise not to share drinks or kiss anyone who has periodontal disease.
The best way to prevent periodontal disease is take care of your teeth and gums on a daily, regular basis. This includes brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day. Seeing a dentist at least every 6 months can be an important preventive measure as well.
2.) How can I treat my periodontal disease?
Your dentist may treat your peridontal disease or may refer you to a periodontist. They will perform a non-surgical procedure called scaling and root planing, also known as a "deep cleaning." In a deep cleaning, the hygienist scrapes all the plaque build-up underneath the gumline and will get rid of the bacteria that help contribute to periodontal disease.
3.) Is periodontal disease contagious?
Periodontal disease is caused by the inflammatory reaction to bacteria under the gums. That bacteria can be spread through saliva, so it would be wise not to share drinks or kiss anyone who has periodontal disease.