THE HEALTH OF A TOOTH SUPPORTING STRUCTURE, PERIODONTAL TREATMENT
The Periodontium is the supporting structure of the teeth. It consists of the gums, jawbone and periodontal ligaments which attach the teeth to the bone. We've always been aware of the relationship between the periodontium and a healthy mouth. Current research is implicit in the connection between a healthy periodontium and your overall health.
The gum tissue surrounds the tooth with light pressure, similar to the space between a turtleneck sweater and your neck. This space between the gum and the tooth consists of a crevice, which is called the Sulcus. It is here where periodontal problems begin as bacteria colonize and grow. A healthy sulcus has a space measuring 1-3mm in depth and this is easily cleaned with a toothbrush and dental floss.
The first stage of periodontal disease is called Gingivitis. When the bacteria that colonize on the teeth are not removed on a daily basis they will continue to grow forming dental plaque. If they are not removed by regular brushing and flossing it leads to inflammation, which is our gums response to the bacteria. Early inflammation can be recognized by bleeding, swelling, redness and tenderness of the gums.
Periodontitis is the progression of gum disease beyond gingivitis when the supporting structures are involved. The bacteria when left to grow, allows the plaque to further organize and this forms hard deposits called calculus on the surface of the tooth. This leads to a change in the bacterial population with the ingress of more pathological bacteria and toxins.
Pockets are formed when the gums continue to swell and the sulcus gets deeper than 3 mm. The deeper the space, the less a toothbrush or floss can reach to clean these areas. Inflammation continues to intensify, prompting a stronger response from the immune system. Unfortunately, the bacteria cannot be engulfed and eradicated by the body's immune system. The bacteria, although under the gum and living on the side of the tooth, are effectively "outside of the body". The body's' futile attempt to kill the bacteria that it can not reach,,leads to the unintentional destruction of the jaw bone
The progression of periodontal disease is insidious and usually painless. By the time the situation becomes painful and the teeth start moving and getting loose, irreversible damage has occurred. Our bodies are fighting a battle it cannot win. This battle is the basis of Periodontal Disease.
The patient with chronic periodontal disease is at a much higher risk for systemic health problems, particularly stroke and heart attack. Research is unraveling the actual mechanisms but the relationship is clear.
Periodontal therapy is instituted when pockets are present. Periodontal treatment is a partnership between the patient, the dentist and the hygienist. There is no quick fix and the return to health is a process that takes time and requires MAINTENANCE, excellent daily hygiene and re-evaluation.
...
The Periodontium is the supporting structure of the teeth. It consists of the gums, jawbone and periodontal ligaments which attach the teeth to the bone. We've always been aware of the relationship between the periodontium and a healthy mouth. Current research is implicit in the connection between a healthy periodontium and your overall health.
The gum tissue surrounds the tooth with light pressure, similar to the space between a turtleneck sweater and your neck. This space between the gum and the tooth consists of a crevice, which is called the Sulcus. It is here where periodontal problems begin as bacteria colonize and grow. A healthy sulcus has a space measuring 1-3mm in depth and this is easily cleaned with a toothbrush and dental floss.
The first stage of periodontal disease is called Gingivitis. When the bacteria that colonize on the teeth are not removed on a daily basis they will continue to grow forming dental plaque. If they are not removed by regular brushing and flossing it leads to inflammation, which is our gums response to the bacteria. Early inflammation can be recognized by bleeding, swelling, redness and tenderness of the gums.
Periodontitis is the progression of gum disease beyond gingivitis when the supporting structures are involved. The bacteria when left to grow, allows the plaque to further organize and this forms hard deposits called calculus on the surface of the tooth. This leads to a change in the bacterial population with the ingress of more pathological bacteria and toxins.
Pockets are formed when the gums continue to swell and the sulcus gets deeper than 3 mm. The deeper the space, the less a toothbrush or floss can reach to clean these areas. Inflammation continues to intensify, prompting a stronger response from the immune system. Unfortunately, the bacteria cannot be engulfed and eradicated by the body's immune system. The bacteria, although under the gum and living on the side of the tooth, are effectively "outside of the body". The body's' futile attempt to kill the bacteria that it can not reach,,leads to the unintentional destruction of the jaw bone
The progression of periodontal disease is insidious and usually painless. By the time the situation becomes painful and the teeth start moving and getting loose, irreversible damage has occurred. Our bodies are fighting a battle it cannot win. This battle is the basis of Periodontal Disease.
The patient with chronic periodontal disease is at a much higher risk for systemic health problems, particularly stroke and heart attack. Research is unraveling the actual mechanisms but the relationship is clear.
Periodontal therapy is instituted when pockets are present. Periodontal treatment is a partnership between the patient, the dentist and the hygienist. There is no quick fix and the return to health is a process that takes time and requires MAINTENANCE, excellent daily hygiene and re-evaluation.
...
