Periodontitis
hidePeriodontitis (peri = around, odont = tooth, -itis = inflammation) refers to a number of inflammatory diseases affecting the periodontium — that is, the tissues that surround and support the teeth. Periodontitis involves progressive loss of the alveolar bone around the teeth, and if left untreated, can lead to the loosening and subsequent loss of teeth. Periodontitis is caused by bacteria that adhere to and grow on the tooth's surfaces, along with an overly aggressive immune response against these bacteria. A diagnosis of periodontitis is established by inspecting the soft gum tissues around the teeth with a probe and radiographs by visual analysis, to determine the amount of bone loss around the teeth. Specialists in the treatment of periodontitis are periodontists; their field is known as "periodontology" and "periodontics".
Chronic Periodontitis, the most common form of the disease, progresses relatively slowly and typically becomes clinically evident in adulthood. Aggressive Periodontitis is a rarer form, but as its name implies, progresses more rapidly and becomes clinically evident in adolescence. Although the different forms of periodontitis are all caused by bacterial infections, a variety of factors affect the severity of the disease. Important "risk factors" include smoking, poorly-controlled diabetes, and inherited (genetic) susceptibility.
For more information about Periodontitis, read the full article at
Wikipedia.
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News tagged with periodontal disease
The more oral bacteria, the higher the risk of heart attack
Apr 01, 2009 |
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Several studies have suggested there is a connection between organisms that cause gum disease, known scientifically as periodontal disease, and the development of heart disease, but few studies have tested this theory.
Your oral health is connected to your overall health
Apr 05, 2009 |
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Scientists at the 87th General Session of the International Association for Dental Research, convening today in Miami Beach, report new studies on the connection between oral disease and systemic disease. A recurring theme ...
Is vitamin D deficiency linked to Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia?
May 26, 2009 |
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There are several risk factors for the development of Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. Based on an increasing number of studies linking these risk factors with Vitamin D deficiency, an article in the current issue ...
Go green for healthy teeth and gums
Mar 05, 2009 |
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With origins dating back over 4,000 years, green tea has long been a popular beverage in Asian culture, and is increasingly gaining popularity in the United States. And while ancient Chinese and Japanese medicine believed ...
A healthy color: Testing for gum disease
Apr 10, 2009 |
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Researchers at Temple University Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry found that a color-changing oral strip is as effective in detecting periodontal disease as traditional methods, and is easier and less costly to administer.
Examining TLR4 influences of B cell response
May 05, 2009 |
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Chronic inflammation, which is at the root of multiple diseases, links periodontal disease to increased incidence of cardiovascular disease.
Gene therapy appears safe to regenerate gum tissue
Apr 07, 2009 |
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Scientists at the University of Michigan have developed a method of gene delivery that appears safe for regenerating tooth-supporting gum tissue -- a discovery that assuages one of the biggest safety concerns surrounding ...
Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is a wise investment
Feb 06, 2009 |
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Faced with plummeting investments and an unsteady job market, many Americans are feeling the effects of the recent economic crisis. In fact, a recent study by the American Psychological Association found that over 80 percent ...
Gene therapy effective treatment against gum disease
Dec 11, 2008 |
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Scientists at the University of Michigan have shown that gene therapy can be used to successfully stop the development of periodontal disease, the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. The findings will be published online ...
Presence of gum disease may help dentists and physicians identify risk for cardiovascular disease
Nov 25, 2008 |
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Individuals reporting a history of periodontal disease were more likely to have increased levels of inflammation, a risk factor for heart disease, compared to those who reported no history of periodontal disease, according ...
Oral/body inflammatory connection explained
Jul 09, 2009 |
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Is your head where your heart is? It may be now. A strong connection between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been suggested in recent clinical studies. As many as 75 percent of adults in the United ...
Treating gum disease helps rheumatoid arthritis sufferers
May 28, 2009 |
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Here's one more reason to keep your teeth healthy.
New data show periodontal treatment doesn't reduce preterm birth risk
Jan 29, 2009 |
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The study, involving researchers from Duke University Medical Center and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, is one of the largest randomized trials to date to look at the link between the two conditions.
Scientists find link between inflamed gums and heart disease
Dec 15, 2008 |
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The next person who reminds you to floss might be your cardiologist instead of your dentist. Scientists have known for some time that a protein associated with inflammation (called CRP) is elevated in people who are at risk ...
Floss your teeth -- on the double!
Aug 06, 2008 |
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In dental offices all over the world, patients are often told they are not flossing enough or instructed to floss more. As the old saying goes, you only need to floss the teeth you want to keep. After all, not flossing regularly ...
