Periodontitis Health Dictionary

Broadly, any discharge of pus, but usually referring to periodontitis or Pyorrhea alveolaris, with inflammatory and degenerative conditions in the gums, jaw bone and cementum. There may be alveolar bone resorption, teeth loss and receding gums...and hefty dental and oral surgery bills. These costs may be valid, but there is some thought in some radical dental circles that there is overdiagnosis of the condition.... pyorrhea

A hard, crust-like deposit (also known as tartar) found on the crowns and roots of the teeth. Calculus forms when mineral salts in saliva are deposited in existing plaque. Supragingival calculus is a yellowish or white deposit that forms above the gum margin, on the crowns of teeth near the openings of salivary gland ducts. Subgingival calculus forms below the gum margin and is brown or black. Toxins in calculus cause gum inflammation (see gingivitis), which may progress to destruction of the supporting tissues (see periodontitis). Calculus is removed by professional scaling. Attention to oral hygiene reduces recurrence.... calculus, dental

The scraping of the wall of a cavity or other surface with a dental curette.

Dental curettage is one method used to remove the lining of periodontal pockets and diseased tissue from root surfaces in periodontitis.... curettage, dental

The surgical removal of part of the gum margin.

Gingivectomy may be used to treat severe cases of gingival hyperplasia or to remove pockets of infected gum in advanced cases of periodontitis.... gingivectomy

Inflammation of the gums. Gingivitis is a reversible stage of gum disease and is usually the result of a build-up of plaque around the base of the teeth. Toxins produced by bacteria in the plaque irritate the gums, causing them to become infected, swollen, tender, and red-purple in colour. Gingivitis can also result from injury to the gums, usually through rough toothbrushing or flossing. Pregnant women and people with diabetes mellitus are especially susceptible.

Good oral hygiene is the main means of preventing and treating gingivitis.

Untreated, it may damage gum tissue, which may lead to chronic periodontitis.

Acute ulcerative gingivitis may develop in people with chronic gingivitis, especially those with lowered resistance to infection (see gingivitis, acute ulcerative).... gingivitis

Painful infection and ulceration of the gums due to abnormal growth of bacteria that usually exist harmlessly in small numbers in gum crevices. Predisposing factors include poor oral hygiene, smoking, throat infections, and emotional stress. In many cases the disorder is preceded by gingivitis or periodontitis. The condition is uncommon, primarily affecting people aged 15–35.

The gums become sore and bleed at the slightest pressure. Crater-like ulcers develop on the gum tips between teeth, and there may be a foul taste in the mouth, bad breath, and swollen lymph nodes. Sometimes, the infection spreads to the lips and cheek lining (see noma).

A hydrogen peroxide mouthwash can relieve the inflammation.

Scaling is then performed to remove plaque.

In severe cases, the antibacterial drug metronidazole may be given to control infection.... gingivitis, acute ulcerative

The soft tissue surrounding the teeth that protects underlying structures and keeps the teeth in position in the jaw.

Healthy gums are pink or brown and firm.

Careful oral hygiene helps prevent gum disease.

Gingivitis may occur if plaque is allowed to collect around the base of the teeth.

Untreated gingivitis may lead to chronic periodontitis.

Bleeding gums are nearly always a symptom of gingivitis; rarely, they are due to leukaemia or scurvy.

Gingival hyperplasia occurs most often as a side-effect of treatment with phenytoin.... gum

See periodontitis.... pocket, gingival

Withdrawal of the gums from around the teeth, exposing part of the roots. The teeth may be sensitive to hot and cold substances, and the attachment of the tooth in the socket may weaken, causing the tooth to become loose. Severe cases of receding gums are usually a signs of gum disease (see periodontitis; gingivitis).... receding gums

n. a *tetracycline antibiotic used to treat infections caused by Chlamydia, rickettsiae, mycoplasmas, and Brucella as well as Lyme disease. It may also be used in the prevention and treatment of malaria and the treatment of mouth ulcers and periodontitis. Side-effects are those of the other tetracyclines.... doxycycline

a space between the gingival tissues and tooth occurring in periodontitis. See periodontal disease.... periodontal pocket

A dental procedure performed to save a tooth in which the pulp (see pulp, dental) has died or become untreatably diseased, usually as the result of extensive dental caries.

The pulp is removed through a hole drilled in the crown. An antibiotic paste and a temporary filling are packed in. A few days later, the filling is removed and the canals are checked for infection. When no infection is detected the cavity is filled and the roots are sealed with cement. If the cavity is not filled completely, periodontitis may occur.

Treated teeth may turn grey but their appearance can be restored by bonding (see bonding, dental), fitting an artificial crown (see crown, dental), or by bleaching (see bleaching, dental).... root-canal treatment

Pain in 1 or more teeth and sometimes the gums. Causes include dental caries, a tooth fracture (see fracture, dental), a deep, unlined filling (see filling, dental), periodontitis, a dental abscess (see abscess, dental), a blow to a tooth, or referred pain from sinusitis. Analgesic drugs may provide temporary relief. Treatment depends on the cause.toothbrushing Cleaning of the teeth with a brush to remove plaque and food particles from tooth surfaces and to stimulate the gums. Toothbrushing should be carried out twice a day using a fluoride dentifrice (usually toothpaste). tooth decay See caries, dental. tooth extraction See extraction, dental. toothpaste See dentifrice.... toothache

a disease of the tissues that support and attach the teeth – the gums, periodontal membrane, and alveolar bone. It is caused by the metabolism of bacterial *plaque on the surfaces of the teeth adjacent to these tissues. Periodontal disease includes *gingivitis and the more advanced stage of periodontitis, which results in the formation of spaces between the gums and the teeth (periodontal pockets), the loss of some fibres that attach the tooth to the jaw, and the loss of bone. The disease is widespread and is the most common cause of tooth loss in older people. Poor oral hygiene is a major contributory factor, but the resistance of the patient also has some influence; for example, the reduced resistance of patients with AIDS may predispose to periodontal disease.... periodontal disease