PERIODONTAL DISEASES

This are disease that affects the tooth surporting structures/tissues.
*Alveolar bone
*Cementum
*Periodontal ligament
*Gingiva

Categories of periodontal diseases

Gingivitis

Periodontitis

GINGIVITIS: This is the inflammation of the gum caused by plague on the tooth surfaces at their necks.

The aetiology of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene which leads to the accumulation of a mycotic and bacterial matrix at the gum line.other factors are poor nutrition and underlying medical issues as diabetes. It rarely occurs in persons enjoying good health.

As noted early, gingivitis progresses to periodontitis with the destruction of the gingival fibres, and deepened sulcus known as periodontal pocket. Sub-gingival microorganism colonize the pockets thereby causing more inflammation in the gum tissues.
NOTE:Sub-gingival microorganisms are the organisms that exist under the gum line.

Basically Gingivitis could be either Chronic or Acute.
Chronic gingivitis is an early stagd of periodontal diseases but is reversible with good oral hygiene.
Acute Ulcerative Gingivitis is a painful and destructive gingivitis with ulceration, in which the gum tissues are destroyed. it occur mainly in debilitated patients and is associated with anaerobic microorganisms accompanied by an unpleasant odour. Gingival over growth may be caused by drug therapy e.g phenytoin.
it can be treated with metronidazole and a thorough regime of oral hygiene supplemented with oxiding mouthwashes.

PERIODONTITIS: This is the inflammation of the periodontium. it involves progressive loss of the alveolar bone around the teeth, and if left untreated can lead to subsequent loss of teeth.

CAUSES OF PERIODONTITIS
periodontitis can be caused by microorganisms that adhere to and grows on the tooth surfaces.
SYMPTOMS OF PERIODONTITIS
* Redness or bleeding of gums while brushing teeth.
* Deep pockets between the teeth and the gums.
* Halitosis
* Gingival recession, resulting in apparent lengthening of teeth
* Loose teeth, in the later stage.