For this assignment, students must choose a complex term and provide three different definitions: parenthetical, sentence and expanded. The objectives for this assignment are to recognize the audience, as well as understand the importance of definitions in technical writing. With composing three types of definitions, students will be able to differentiate the levels of detail that go into each definition, in addition to selecting the correct level of detail.
The reading situation is a dental hygienist explaining periodontitis to their client.
Parenthetical definition:
Periodontitis (gum disease).
Sentence definition:
Periodontitis is an oral disease that is a result of inflammation and infection of the gums and bone that surround and support the teeth.
Expanded definition:
Periodontitis is an oral disease that is a result of inflammation and infection of the gums and bone that surround and support the teeth. Without proper treatment, the disease can destroy the bone that supports the teeth, which can cause tooth mobility and inevitable tooth loss.
Periodontitis in its early stage is called gingivitis, which is caused by bacteria in the mouth. With gingivitis, the gums can become swollen and red, and they may bleed (CDC, 2013). As the bacteria stays on the tooth, it forms a film called plaque, which eventually hardens to become calculus. Calculus can build up and spread below the gum line and results in making the teeth harder to clean. This requires intervention from a dental health professional to remove the calculus and stop the periodontal disease process.
Fig.1 – Demonstrates the accumulation of plaque on the tooth crown, which causes irritation to the gums. The gums pull away from the tooth.
Mayo Clinic, 2020. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/periodontitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354473#dialogId34052788
Fig.2 – The x-ray shows localized periodontitis with the lack of attachment of gums to the molar (as demonstrated by the black space between the two teeth)
CDA, 2021. https://cda-adc.ca/jcda/vol-67/issue-2/figs.html
As the disease progresses, the gums can pull away from the tooth, the bone supporting the tooth can be lost, and the teeth may loosen or even fall out. Periodontitis is common but largely preventable (Mayo Clinic, 2020). Prevention is the most important factor in the fight against periodontitis. It is essential to keep your teeth and gums clean. Brush your teeth properly at least twice a day and floss at least once every 24 hours (CDA, 2021). It is also imperative to see a dental professional such as a dentist or dental hygienist for an exam and professional cleaning in order to detect and treat early signs of oral disease.
Works Cited
“Gum Disease Faqs.” Canadian Dental Association, https://www.cda-adc.ca/en/oral_health/faqs/gum_diseases_faqs.asp.
“Periodontal Disease.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 10 July 2013, https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/conditions/periodontal-disease.html.
“Periodontitis.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 14 Feb. 2020, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/periodontitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354473#:~:text=Periodontitis%20is%20a%20severe%20gum,bone%20that%20supports%20your%20teeth.
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