Periodontal disease in the context of "Tooth loss"

Play Trivia Questions online!

or

Skip to study material about Periodontal disease in the context of "Tooth loss"

Ad spacer

⭐ Core Definition: Periodontal disease

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a set of inflammatory conditions affecting the tissues surrounding the teeth. In its early stage, called gingivitis, the gums become swollen and red and may bleed. It is considered the main cause of tooth loss for adults worldwide. In its more serious form, called periodontitis, the gums can pull away from the tooth, bone can be lost, and the teeth may loosen or fall out. Halitosis (bad breath) may also occur.

Periodontal disease typically arises from the development of plaque biofilm, which harbors harmful bacteria such as Porphyromonas gingivalis and Treponema denticola. These bacteria infect the gum tissue surrounding the teeth, leading to inflammation and, if left untreated, progressive damage to the teeth and gum tissue. Recent meta-analysis have shown that the composition of the oral microbiota and its response to periodontal disease differ between men and women. These differences are particularly notable in the advanced stages of periodontitis, suggesting that sex-specific factors may influence susceptibility and progression. Factors that increase the risk of disease include smoking, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, family history, high levels of homocysteine in the blood and certain medications. Diagnosis is by inspecting the gum tissue around the teeth both visually and with a probe and X-rays looking for bone loss around the teeth.

↓ Menu

>>>PUT SHARE BUTTONS HERE<<<
In this Dossier

Periodontal disease in the context of Inflammation

Inflammation (from Latin: inflammatio) is part of the biological defence response of body tissues. Inflammatory immunovascular responses can be triggered by a broad range of stimuli, including physical trauma, "dead, damaged, malfunctioning or stressed tissues", pathogens, irritants, toxins, overuse, autoimmunity, allergens, and foreign bodies (e.g. silica and asbestos). The five cardinal signs are heat, pain, redness, swelling, and loss of function (Latin calor, dolor, rubor, tumor, and functio laesa).

Inflammation is a generic response, and therefore is considered a mechanism of innate immunity, not adaptive immunity. It involves immune cells, blood vessels, and molecular mediators. The function of inflammation is to eliminate the initial cause of cell injury, clear out damaged cells and tissues, and initiate tissue repair. Too little inflammation could lead to progressive tissue destruction by the harmful stimulus (e.g. bacteria) and compromise the survival of the organism. However, inflammation can also have negative effects. For instance, too much inflammation, in the form of chronic inflammation, is associated with various diseases, such as hay fever, periodontal disease, atherosclerosis, and osteoarthritis.

↑ Return to Menu

Periodontal disease in the context of Dental plaque

Dental plaque is a biofilm of microorganisms (mostly bacteria, but also fungi) that grows on surfaces within the mouth. It is a sticky colorless deposit at first, but when it forms tartar, it is often brown or pale yellow. It is commonly found between the teeth, on the front of teeth, behind teeth, on chewing surfaces, along the gumline (supragingival), or below the gumline cervical margins (subgingival). Dental plaque is also known as microbial plaque, oral biofilm, dental biofilm, dental plaque biofilm, and bacterial plaque biofilm. Bacterial plaque is one of the major causes for dental decay and gum disease. It has been observed that differences in the composition of dental plaque microbiota exist between men and women, particularly in the presence of periodontitis.

Progression and build-up of dental plaque can give rise to tooth decay, and periodontal problems. Hence it is important to disrupt the mass of bacteria and remove it. Tooth decay is the localized destruction of the tissues of the tooth by acid produced from the bacterial degradation of fermentable sugar. Periodontal problems you could develop are ones such as gingivitis and periodontitis. Plaque control and removal can be achieved with correct daily or twice-daily tooth brushing and use of interdental aids such as dental floss and interdental brushes.

↑ Return to Menu

Periodontal disease in the context of Tooth decay

Tooth decay, also known as caries, is the breakdown of teeth due to acids produced by bacteria. The resulting cavities may be many different colors, from yellow to black. Symptoms may include pain and difficulty eating. Complications may include inflammation of the tissue around the tooth, tooth loss and infection or abscess formation. Tooth regeneration is an ongoing stem cell–based field of study that aims to find methods to reverse the effects of decay; current methods are based on easing symptoms.

The cause of cavities is acid from bacteria dissolving the hard tissues of the teeth (enamel, dentin, and cementum). The acid is produced by the bacteria when they break down food debris or sugar on the tooth surface. Simple sugars in food are these bacteria's primary energy source, and thus a diet high in simple sugar is a risk factor. If mineral breakdown is greater than buildup from sources such as saliva, caries results. Risk factors include conditions that result in less saliva, such as diabetes mellitus, Sjögren syndrome, and some medications. Medications that decrease saliva production include psychostimulants, antihistamines, and antidepressants. Dental caries are also associated with poverty, poor cleaning of the mouth, and receding gums resulting in exposure of the roots of the teeth.

↑ Return to Menu

Periodontal disease in the context of Dental hygienist

A dental hygienist or oral hygienist is a licensed dental professional, registered with a dental association or regulatory body within their country of practice. Prior to completing clinical and written board examinations, registered dental hygienists must have either an associate's or bachelor's degree in dental hygiene from an accredited college or university. Once registered, hygienists are primary healthcare professionals who work independently of or alongside dentists and other dental professionals to provide full oral health care. They have the training and education that focus on and specialize in the prevention and treatment of many oral diseases.

Dental hygienists have a specific scope of clinical procedures they provide to their patients. They assess a patient's condition in order to offer patient-specific preventive and educational services to promote and maintain good oral health. A major role of a dental hygienist is to perform periodontal therapy which includes things such periodontal charting, periodontal debridement (scaling and root planing), prophylaxis (preventing disease) or periodontal maintenance procedures for patients with periodontal disease. The use of therapeutic methods assists their patients in controlling oral disease, while providing tailored treatment plans that emphasize the importance of behavioral changes. Some dental hygienists are licensed to administer local anesthesia and perform dental radiography. Dental hygienists are also the primary resource for oral cancer screening and prevention. In addition to these procedures, hygienists may take intraoral radiographs, apply dental sealants, administer topical fluoride, and provide patient-specific oral hygiene instruction.

↑ Return to Menu

Periodontal disease in the context of Magnolol

Magnolol is an organic compound that is classified as lignan. It is a bioactive compound found in the bark of the Houpu magnolia (Magnolia officinalis) and in M. grandiflora.

Magnolol is a compound that acts on GABA_A receptors and functions as an allosteric modulator. It has antifungal properties and demonstrates anti-periodontal disease effects in animal models. In cell cultures, magnolol stimulates osteoblasts and inhibits osteoclasts, indicating potential for anti-osteoporosis treatment. It also binds in a dimeric form to PPARγ, acting as an agonist of this nuclear receptor. Additionally, magnolol may interact with cannabinoid receptors, acting as a partial agonist of CB2 receptors with lower affinity for CB1 receptors.

↑ Return to Menu