Periodontal disease refers to a group of problems that arise in the gum sulcus, the crevice between the gum and the tooth. Even in healthy mouths, the sulcus is teeming with bacteria, but they tend to be harmless varieties. Periodontal disease develops usually because of two events in the oral cavity:
An increase in bacteria quantity.
Change in the balance of bacterial types from harmless to disease-causing bacteria. [See What Causes Periodontal Disease?
In general, the process that causes disease is as follows:
Harmful bacteria increase in mass and thickness until they form a film known as plaque.
In healthy mouths, plaque itself actually provides some barrier against outside bacterial invasion. When it accumulates to excessive levels, however, plaque adheres to the surfaces of the teeth and adjacent gingiva and causes cellular injury, with subsequent swelling, redness, and heat.
When plaque is allowed to remain in the periodontal area, it transforms into calculus (commonly known as tartar).
This material has a rock-like consistency and adheres tenaciously to the tooth surface. The color and hardness vary depending on the age of the material and extrinsic factors, such as tobacco use. It is much more difficult to remove than plaque, which is a soft amorphous mass.
Calculus produces injury and inflammation that eventually destroys the support structures and bone and can lead to tooth loss.
Periodontal diseases are generally divided into two groups:
Gingivitis, which causes lesions (wounds) that affect the gums.
Periodontitis, which damages the bone and connective tissue that supports the teeth.
2007-02-20 08:35:33
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answer #1
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answered by Vlado 4
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Periodontal disease refers to a group of problems that arise in the gum sulcus, the crevice between the gum and the tooth. Even contained by healthy mouths, the sulcus is teeming near bacteria, but they tend to be safe varieties. Periodontal disease develops usually because of two events surrounded by the oral cavity:
An increase in microbes quantity.
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2014-07-14 23:54:06
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answer #2
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answered by Anonymous
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Peridonntal disease is gum disease that also can result in loss of bone around the teeth.
2007-02-20 08:37:01
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answer #3
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answered by Anonymous
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is an infectious gum disease which if not taken care of will destroy supporting gum tissue,and structures around the teeth...periodontal disease is also linked to heart troubles...
2007-02-20 08:38:20
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answer #4
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answered by double_klicks 4
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any of various mixed bacterial infections that affect the soft tissues and bones supporting the teeth
2007-02-20 08:40:22
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answer #5
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answered by artemisaodc1 4
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I think it's gum disease.
2007-02-20 08:35:30
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answer #6
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answered by cweetepye 3
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inflammation of the gums and infection of your jaw tissue
2007-02-20 08:43:28
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answer #7
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answered by ninekittys 3
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infection of the tissues that support your teeth.
2007-02-20 08:36:20
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answer #8
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answered by stuckondaeastcoast 3
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