Zachary Gray
Professor Mary Downing
English 112
September 15, 2016
Periodontal Disease, Treatment, and Prevention
Americans are living longer and faced with many different diseases that affect all areas of their body. The oral cavity includes the maxillary and mandibular teeth along with the tongue and surrounding gingival tissues and plays a primary role in the first step of the digestive process. With the addition of fluoride to toothpaste and municipal drinking water the incidence of cavities has been dramatically reduced. Also, if young children receive routine dental care, most have sealants placed on their back molars to cut down on the incidence of decay. Periodontal disease, caused by bacterial plaque buildup, is the leading cause …show more content…
Periodontal Disease evaluated Dental x-ray showing the progression of with a periodontal probe (Dens Dental). periodontal disease (Dens Dental). Periodontal disease is classified into three different stages to help to determine the treatment and prognosis. Gingivitis means inflammation without bone or attachment loss and can easily be reversed; it is a precursor to periodontitis. Early periodontitis is the first stage of periodontal disease and is characterized by mild bone loss, mild to moderate pockets, four to five millimeters, and no tooth mobility. Moderate periodontitis is the second stage of periodontal disease and involves moderate to severe bone loss, moderate to deep pockets, five to six millimeters, and mild tooth mobility. Advanced periodontitis is the final stage of periodontal disease and involves severe bone loss, generalized deep pockets, over six millimeters, and multiple teeth with mobility (“Types of Gum Disease” 3). The first stage in the treatment of periodontal disease is an evaluation of risk factors. Stages of Periodontal Disease …show more content…
Studies indicate that older individuals have the highest occurrence of periodontitis; 70% of Americans over age 65 have some degree of gum disease. Lack of good oral hygiene, such as not brushing and flossing on a regular basis encourages bacteria buildup and plaque formation (Ouyang 27). “Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors associated with the development of periodontal disease and the disease increase with the number of cigarettes per day” (Kachlany 44). Stress makes it harder for the body to fight off infection and this is also a factor contributing to periodontal disease. There are over 400 medications that can cause dry mouth. These medications have an antiadrenergic/anticholinergic effect, meaning they block certain body functions that promote secretions from glands. Some common drugs that cause dry mouth are antihypertension, antidepressants, antihistamines, and drugs to treat urinary incontinence. Also, a diet low in essential nutrients can make the body’s immune system not as effective in fighting off infections (“Types of Gum Disease”
Professor Mary Downing
English 112
September 15, 2016
Periodontal Disease, Treatment, and Prevention
Americans are living longer and faced with many different diseases that affect all areas of their body. The oral cavity includes the maxillary and mandibular teeth along with the tongue and surrounding gingival tissues and plays a primary role in the first step of the digestive process. With the addition of fluoride to toothpaste and municipal drinking water the incidence of cavities has been dramatically reduced. Also, if young children receive routine dental care, most have sealants placed on their back molars to cut down on the incidence of decay. Periodontal disease, caused by bacterial plaque buildup, is the leading cause …show more content…
Periodontal Disease evaluated Dental x-ray showing the progression of with a periodontal probe (Dens Dental). periodontal disease (Dens Dental). Periodontal disease is classified into three different stages to help to determine the treatment and prognosis. Gingivitis means inflammation without bone or attachment loss and can easily be reversed; it is a precursor to periodontitis. Early periodontitis is the first stage of periodontal disease and is characterized by mild bone loss, mild to moderate pockets, four to five millimeters, and no tooth mobility. Moderate periodontitis is the second stage of periodontal disease and involves moderate to severe bone loss, moderate to deep pockets, five to six millimeters, and mild tooth mobility. Advanced periodontitis is the final stage of periodontal disease and involves severe bone loss, generalized deep pockets, over six millimeters, and multiple teeth with mobility (“Types of Gum Disease” 3). The first stage in the treatment of periodontal disease is an evaluation of risk factors. Stages of Periodontal Disease …show more content…
Studies indicate that older individuals have the highest occurrence of periodontitis; 70% of Americans over age 65 have some degree of gum disease. Lack of good oral hygiene, such as not brushing and flossing on a regular basis encourages bacteria buildup and plaque formation (Ouyang 27). “Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors associated with the development of periodontal disease and the disease increase with the number of cigarettes per day” (Kachlany 44). Stress makes it harder for the body to fight off infection and this is also a factor contributing to periodontal disease. There are over 400 medications that can cause dry mouth. These medications have an antiadrenergic/anticholinergic effect, meaning they block certain body functions that promote secretions from glands. Some common drugs that cause dry mouth are antihypertension, antidepressants, antihistamines, and drugs to treat urinary incontinence. Also, a diet low in essential nutrients can make the body’s immune system not as effective in fighting off infections (“Types of Gum Disease”