I. Have you ever been told that you have periodontal (gum) disease, you're not alone.
a. Many adults in the U.S. currently have some form of the disease.
i. According to ADA eighty percent of adults in USA have some form of periodontal disease.
b. Periodontal diseases range from simple gum inflammation to serious disease that results in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth.
i. According to Webster’s Dictionary, periodontal disease is a term used to describe a variety of inflammatory and degenerative diseases that affects the supporting structures of the teeth.
c. Today I will be speaking about the causes of periodontal disease, connection of periodontal disease …show more content…
with other health problems and some of the treatment.
II. First I will talk about the periodontal disease and some causes.
a.
A multitude of bacteria is active in our mouths, all day and night long. These bacteria cause bad breath (halitosis) and gum disease. The bacterial plaque that continuously forms on the teeth is the main reason behind periodontal infections. As the bacteria infect the gum tissue, they release toxic substances that trigger the breakdown of gum and bone. Therefore dental biofilm which is also known as plaque plays a major role in the initiation and progression of periodontal disease.
b. The second contributing factor is dental calculus, which is mineralized dental biofilm, which is a hard, tenacious mass that forms on the clinical crowns of the natural teeth and other dental prostheses.
i. Calculus or tartar is significant in the progression of inflammatory periodontal disease. The rough surface of the calculus holds the disease-producing bacteria of the dental biofilm close the gingival tissue and perpetuates the inflamed state.
c. Periodontal disease often occurs in members of the same family. Genetics, intimacy, hygiene, or a mixture of factors may be responsible. Studies have found that children of parents with periodontitis were 12 times more likely to have the bacteria thought to be responsible for causing plaque and, eventually, periodontal …show more content…
disease.
i.
Genetic factors may play the critical role in half the cases of periodontal disease. Up to 30% of the population may have some genetic susceptibility to periodontal disease. For example, some people with severe periodontal disease have genetic factors that affect an immune factor known as interleukin-1 (IL-1), a cytokine involved in the inflammatory response. Such individuals are up to 20 times more likely to develop advanced periodontitis than those without such genes. Early onset and rapidly progressive periodontal disease also have strong genetic components. ii. Intimate partners and spouses of people with periodontal disease may also be at risk. Researchers have found that the bacteria P. gingivalis may be contagious after exposure to an infected person over a long period of time. There is no risk from short exposure, such as after a fast kiss or when sharing an eating utensil.
III. The other thesis is the relation of periodontal disease and other health problems. Recognized as one of the leading causes of death, strokes and all of their debilitating effects bring grief and pain to millions of men and women all over the world. While death is the likely result of a severe stroke, losing the ability to speak or walk is a common result that many stroke sufferers know too well.
a. There are many factors that can contribute to someone suffering from this condition, but scientific studies and research have found a link between periodontal disease and the likelihood for having
a stroke.
b. Scientists believe that periodontal disease can lead to stroke by releasing infectious bacteria into the blood stream during chewing and brushing, which can in turn promote blood clotting and affect blood flow to the brain.
c. Having healthy teeth and gums not only decreases the chances of stroke, but the chances of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, pre term pregnancies, prostate cancer, and breast cancer as well.