Periodontics: Periodontitis
Periodontics: Periodontitis
Periodontics: Periodontitis
PERIODONTITIS
If left untreated, periodontitis causes progressive bone loss around teeth, looseness of
the teeth and eventual tooth loss. Periodontitis is thought to occur in people who have
preexisting gingivitis - an inflammation that is limited to the soft tissues surrounding the
tooth and does not cause attachment or bone loss. The 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, with
loss of periodontal ligaments, form a periodontal pocket. Subgingival bacteria that exist
in periodontal pockets can cause further inflammation in the gum tissues and further
loss of attachment and bone.
If left undisturbed, bacterial plaque calcifies to form calculus. Calculus above and below
the gum line must be removed completely by the dental hygienist or dentist to treat
gingivitis and periodontitis. Although the primary cause of both gingivitis and
periodontitis is the bacterial plaque that adheres to the tooth surface, there are many
other modifying factors. One of the most predominant risk factors of periodontal disease
is tobacco use. Another very strong risk factor is one's genetic susceptibility. Several
conditions and diseases, including Down syndrome, diabetes, and other diseases that
affect one's resistance to infection also increase susceptibility to periodontitis.
Patients should realize that the gingival inflammation and bone destruction are largely
painless. Hence, people may wrongly assume that painless bleeding after teeth
cleaning is insignificant, although this may be a symptom of progressing periodontitis in
that patient.
Prevention
Daily oral hygiene measures to prevent periodontal disease include:
brushing properly on a regular basis (at least twice daily), with the patient attempting
to direct the toothbrush bristles underneath the gum-line, so as to help disrupt the
bacterial growth and formation of subgingival plaque and calculus;
flossing daily and using interdental brushes (if there is a sufficiently large space
between teeth), as well as cleaning behind the last tooth in each quarter;
using an antiseptic mouthwash. Chlorhexidine gluconate based mouthwash or
hydrogen peroxide in combination with careful oral hygiene may cure gingivitis,
although they cannot reverse any attachment loss due to periodontitis;
regular dental check-ups and professional teeth cleaning as required. Dental check-
ups serve to monitor the person's oral hygiene methods and levels of attachment
around teeth, identify any early signs of periodontitis, and monitor response to
treatment.
IV Choose one of the negative prefixes (un, in, im) to form a word with the
opposite meaning:
measurable, active, mobile, direct, proper, important, possible, favourable, able,
comparable
V Translate the following sentences into English using the appropriate type of IF
CLAUSES:
1. Ako se gingivitis ne leči adekvatno u početnoj fazi, dovešće do periodontitisa.
2. Kada bi zub bio otvoren na vreme, pacijent ne bi osećao oštar bol.
3. Mikroorganizmi bi bili uklonjeni da je stomatolog stavio kalcijum hidroksid na karije-
snu leziju.
4. Ukoliko se uništi periodontalni ligament, zub će postati klimav.
5. Kada se ne bi eliminisali uzročni faktori, progresivna proliferacija i ulceracija epitela
bi dovela do produbljivanja džepa.