 Periodontal disease is the number one cause of tooth loss. Tooth loss is common due to periodontal disease, because of the silent, and asymptomatic progress pattern. It is mainly caused by plaque and occlusal trauma. Periodontal disease advances faster with poor oral hygiene, and some systemic factors (e.g. pregnancy, anemia, diabetes, some medications as the ones used for cancer chemotherapy).
PLAQUE AND TARTAR:
Tartar which can adhere to the tooth surface below the gum line and it will have a solid dark brown collar appearance, or above the gum line which has a solid yellow color buildup appearance.
While plaque is soft and can be removed by personal daily oral hygiene practice, tartar makes it harder to remove plaque and bacteria in the daily oral hygiene practice; it acts a hard barrier halting access to clean the tooth. The microscopical porous structure of tartar multiplies the amount of harbored plaque substance and allows bacterial colonies to mature, tartar is hard and its removal requires prompt dental care.
TREATMENT OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE:
CONNECTION WITH CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE:
Oral health and overall health are more connected in many ways. Infections in your mouth, such as periodontal disease, can cause problems in other areas of your body. Periodontal disease seems to be associated with heart disease. Some researchers believe that these bacteria and inflammation from your mouth are linked to other health problems in the rest of your body. When your gums are healthy, bacteria in your mouth usually don't enter your bloodstream. However, gum disease may provide bacteria a port of entry into your bloodstream and allows plaque buildup inside the heart and cardiovascular system. Research shows that several types of cardiovascular disease may be linked to oral health. These include heart disease, clogged arteries, stroke and bacterial endocarditis.
Evaluation of periodontal condition is measured by the tendency for bleeding, pockets depth, teeth mobility, and the loss of bone support. The latter can only be observed on X-Rays. Prevention is the rule of thumb, and early detection provides best outcome. In early stages the treatment can mainly be enforcement of strict home care. In advanced cases prompt removal of plaque and tartar is important, deep cleaning and regular visits to the dentist and strict home hygiene will allow periodontal disease to stop from advancing. Special home care aids might be recommended, such as gum stimulators, interdental brushes, water jet machines. And in the case of deep pockets and bone damage, a surgical correction is needed, and a splint is helpful in some cases. In the very advanced stages extraction is the inevitable fate of the tooth. |
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