Periodontitis Essay

Periodontal disease, or periodontitis, is the inflammation of the periodontium that involves loss of supporting bone structure. Essentially, it is a gum disease that deteriorates the bone structure that holds your teeth in place and it can affect people of all ages. Nearly all adults, teens, and even children have plaque on their teeth that contain the bacteria linked to periodontal diseases. The Center for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) reports that 47% of people in the United States, 30 years or older, have some form of periodontal disease. That’s a whopping 65 million people, not including anyone under the age of thirty. Another report shows that 3 out of 5 teens has an early form of periodontal disease. Once this disease is advanced

Consequently, this makes room for more tartar to get in there, eventually causing bone loss. At this point gingivitis is now classified as periodontitis. Periodontitis presents itself in various forms, from moderate to severe. Both forms can be treated and maintained to prevent further bone loss, but you cannot get back any bone already lost and you can never fully get rid of all the bacteria. People who experience mild bone loss would be considered to have moderate periodontitis. Bone loss can be easily seen and diagnosed by dental x-rays, and with a special instrument called a perio-probe which is used to measure pocket depth by your dentist or hygienist. People who have periodontitis should visit their dentist for

However, there are several signs to look for that can show you may have some form of periodontal disease. A strong indication is persistent and strong bad breath, as diseased tissue exudes a foul odor. The diseased gums will also start receding as bone loss increases, causing your teeth to look longer. Other indications include red or purplish swollen gums, bleeding, loose adult teeth, or spaces forming between your teeth. Your teeth might also become increasingly more sensitive to temperature changes. This is because your roots are now exposed to any elements when they are usually covered with bone and gingiva tissue. It is important to know that anyone can get periodontal disease but something things may increase your chances of this. Smoking of course is the number one contributor, but also many medications, over the counter or prescription, can reduce the amount of saliva you produce. In turn this can increase the amount of bacteria in your mouth as saliva rinses the bacteria from your mouth over the course of the day. Diabetics also have a higher risk as they are more prone to