Assignment 1:3, Lovin Definitions (Revised)

Introduction

The objective of this assignment is to discuss the periodontal disease with the patient. I will explain the disease process, causes, treatment, and prevention along with a visual diagram to help explain the key concepts of periodontal disease. This term is explained to a patient in a clinical setting who does not have any dental knowledge about this procedure. I have explained periodontal disease below with parenthetical, sentence, and an expanded definition.

Parenthetical Definition: 

Periodontal disease (gum disease) is a serious gum infection that can lead to tooth loss.

Sentence Definition: 

Periodontal disease is a severe gum infection characterized by the swelling of the gums and bone that surrounds and supports the teeth.

Expanded Definition:

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is a common but preventable dental disease. The word periodontal disease is derived from the Greek word peri for “around” and odon for “tooth” which means “disease around the tooth” (American Dental Education Association, n.d.).  In its early stage, called gingivitis, the gums can become swollen and red, and they may bleed (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2018). 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 even fall out (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2018). Healthy gums are pale and pink in color and fit snuggly against the tooth. In periodontal disease, gums are bright, dusky or purplish in color accompanied by the presence of pus between teeth and the gums (Mayo Clinic, 2020).

What are the Causes of Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is common but largely preventable. It is usually the result of poor oral hygiene and a lack of professional dental cleanings. In most cases, periodontal disease starts with the formation of plaque (a sticky film composed mainly of bacteria). When plaque stays on the teeth long enough and is not being removed with daily brushing and flossing, it eventually hardens and turns into calculus (tartar). Tartar build-up can spread below the gum line, which makes the teeth harder to clean. You can get rid of plaque by brushing and flossing but tartar can only be removed by a professional dental cleaning. The longer plaque and tartar stay on the teeth, the more damage they can do to the gums and bone surrounding the teeth. The first stage will be gum swelling which is reversible by brushing and flossing. A common sign of the first stage is gums that start to bleed while brushing. Later, it will turn into gum disease which is not reversible and can result in bone loss around the teeth. Other factors can increase the risk of periodontal disease such as smoking or chewing tobacco, diabetes, stress, genetics, crooked teeth, underlying autoimmune conditions, defective dental fillings and hormonal changes (Cafasso, 2017)

Figure 1: Stages of Gum Disease

Source: Carter, C. (2020, March 27). The five stages of gum disease — the McKenzie center. The McKenzie Center | Implants & Periodontics. https://www.drwilliammckenzie.com/blog/the-five-stages-of-gum-disease

3. What is the treatment of Periodontal disease?

Gingivitis can be controlled and treated with good oral hygiene and regular professional cleaning. More severe forms of periodontal disease can also be treated successfully but may require more extensive treatment (Cafasso, 2017). Such treatment might include a deep cleaning of the root surfaces of the teeth below the gums, medications prescribed to take by mouth or placed directly under the gums, and sometimes corrective surgery (Cafasso, 2018; Mayo Clinic, 2020).

4. How can you prevent Periodontal disease?

To help prevent or control periodontal diseases, it is important to:

• Brush and floss every day to remove plaque that causes gum disease.

Brush your teeth twice a day. Use a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste. Replace your toothbrush every 3 months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed. Old, worn-out ones won’t clean teeth as well. Flossing removes food particles and plaque from in between the teeth and under the gum line. Floss every day. You can also try interdental cleaners, picks, or small brushes that fit in between teeth. Ask your dentist or dental hygienist how to use them so you don’t damage your gums (Cafasso, 2017). Rinse your mouth. According to the American Dental Association, antibacterial rinses can reduce bacteria that cause plaque and gum disease (Cafasso, 2017).

•  See a dental hygienist every 6 months for professional dental cleanings.
•  Other lifestyle changes can also cut the risk of periodontal disease such as healthy eating and quitting smoking.

   

5. What is the link between periodontal disease and overall health?

According to the CDC, researchers have uncovered potential links between periodontal disease and other serious health conditions (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2018). In people with healthy immune systems, the bacteria in the mouth that makes its way into the bloodstream is usually harmless (Webmd, 2018). But under certain circumstances, these bacteria are associated with health problems such as stroke and heart disease (Webmd, 2018). Diabetes is not only a risk factor for gum disease, but gum disease may make diabetes worse (Webmd, 2018).

References

Cafasso, J. (2017, May 22). Periodontitis. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/periodontitis

Carter, C. (2020, March 27). The five stages of gum disease — the McKenzie center. The McKenzie Center | Implants & Periodontics. https://www.drwilliammckenzie.com/blog/the-five-stages-of-gum-disease

Periodontal disease. (2018, December 14). Cdc.Gov. https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/conditions/periodontal-disease.html

Periodontics. (n.d.). Retrieved June 18, 2022, from Adea.org website: https://www.adea.org/GoDental/Career_Options/Advanced_Dental_Education_Programs/Periodontics.aspx