|
Periodontal Disease: This
is a type of infection to the teeth, gums, and the bone that
surrounds the teeth, and this is the leading cause for tooth loss.
Stopping this condition begins with a thorough diagnosis.
The main cause for these diseases is the presence of plaque which is
a thick film of food and the bacteria present in the teeth. These
bacteria enter by force into the spaces between the gums and the
teeth producing the toxins. This inturn will destroy the bones
around the teeth.
If the signs of the Gingivitis are present then consult the dentist.
The doctor will examine your mouth and teeth and look for the
presence of soft, red, swollen gingiva. Dentist will examine the
patient and look for calculus deposits on the teeth and under the
gum line. A cleaning instrument will then be used by the dentist to
look into the gum tissue or to check for plaque buildup. The dentist
will ask the patient about the medications being taken that might be
a causative factor in the gingivitis. Information provided by the
patient may lead to a gingivitis diagnosis. Further testing includes
dental x-rays and dental gingival probing to determine the spread of
swelling to the supporting teeth.
Early signs of the gingivitis include
the following
• Swollen gums
• Deposits of plaque and tartar
• Painless or mildly tender in the gums
• Irritated gum tissue
• Sore gums
• Gum tissue that bleeds easily
• Puffy and soft gums
• Red gum tissue
• Gingival recession with soft tissue defects
Diagnosis of the gingivitis can be made
on Historical and the physical findings
Historical findings depend on whether
the patient has chronic gingivitis or ANUG
Chronic gingivitis: The patient
will experience the bleeding in the gums while toothbrushing. And
also while eating foods with hard consistency.
Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis:
Bleeding in response to very minimal local trauma may occur. ANUG
may also produce the local pain, alternations in the taste.
Physical findings depend on whether the
patient has chronic gingivitis, ANUG or reaction to oral
contraceptives
Chronic gingivitis: Gingival pockets may be detected
with a periodontal probe. Mild bleeding from the gum may occur.
Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis:
Presence of fever, halitosis, gingival edema, and ulceration may be
detected. Infection may spread to the adjacent soft tissues of the
mouth.
Reaction to oral contraceptives. |
