Periodontal Disease - Introduction

Introduction

The word “periodontal” means “around the tooth.” Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the gum and tissues that surround and support the teeth. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss.

The Periodontium

The part of the mouth that consists of the gum and supporting structures is called the periodontium. It is made up of the following parts:

• Gum (gingiva). When healthy, the gingiva is pale pink, firm, and does not move. It has a smooth or speckled texture. The gingival tissue between teeth is shaped like a wedge.
• The space between the gum and tooth, called the sulcus. The sulcus is the main place where periodontal problems begin.
• Root surface of the teeth (the cementum)
• Connective tissue
• Alveolar bone. The alveolar bone contains the teeth sockets and supports the teeth.

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Periodontal Disease

Periodontal diseases are generally divided into two groups:

• Gingivitis, which causes lesions (inflammatory abnormalities) that affect the gums
• Periodontitis, which damages the bone and connective tissue that support the teeth

Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria. Even in healthy mouths, the sulcus is teeming with bacteria, but they tend to be harmless varieties. Periodontal disease usually develops because of two events in the oral cavity: an increase in bacteria quantity and a change in balance of bacterial types from harmless to disease-causing bacteria. These harmful bacteria increase in mass and thickness until they form a sticky film called plaque.

Click the icon to see an image of plaque and damaged gum tissue.

In healthy mouths, plaque actually provides some barrier against outside bacterial invasion. When it accumulates to excessive levels, however, bacterial plaque sticks to the surfaces of the teeth and adjacent gums and causes infection, with subsequent swelling, redness, and warmth.