TOOTH
& GUM DISEASE
Periodontitis, formerly known as Pyorrhea alveolaris,
is the name of a collection of inflammatory diseases affecting the tissues that
surround and support the teeth. Periodontitis involves progressive loss of the
bone around teeth which may lead to loosening and eventual loss of teeth if
untreated. Periodontitis is caused by bacteria that adhere to and grow on tooth
surfaces (microbial plaque or biofilms), particularly in areas under the gum
line. Periodontitis is very common in most populations but the severe forms
of the disease are less common (less than 10% in the U.S.). Dentists diagnose
periodontitis by inspecting the tissues around the teeth with a probe and by
radiographs to detect bone loss around the teeth. Although the different forms
of periodontitis are bacterial diseases, a variety of factors affect the severity
of the disease. Important "risk factors" include smoking, poorly controlled
diabetes, and inherited (genetic) susceptibility.
The primary etiology, or cause, of gingivitis is the accumulation of a bacterial
matrix at the gum line, called dental plaque. In some people, gingivitis progresses
to periodontitis - the gum tissues separate from the tooth and form a periodontal
pocket. Subgingival bacteria (those that exist under the gum line) colonize
the periodontal pockets and cause further inflammation in the gum tissues and
progressive bone loss. Examples of secondary etiology would be those things
that cause plaque accumulation, such as restoration overhangs and root proximity. (1)
source
: wikipedia
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