14-Modern Dental Assisting

Biofilm

A thin, colorless, soft, sticky coating made up of communities microorganisms adhering to oral structures

Calculus

Hardened plaque that becomes mineralized by calcium and phosphate salts from saliva

Gingivitis

Inflammation of the gingival tissue

Periodontal

Referring to the periodontium

What is in the periodontium?

cementum, PDL, alveolar bone

Periodontitis

Inflammatory disease of the supporting tissues of the teeth

Periodontium (general)

Structures that surround, support, and are attached to the teeth

Plaque

A buildup of a sticky, colorless coating made up of a community of microorganisms

Gingival sulcus

A v-shaped, shallow, microscopic crevice between the gum tissue and tooth surface

Prophylaxis

Administration of drugs to prevent disease or protect a patient

Subgingival

Below the gingiva

Supragingival

Above the gingiva

What is periodontal disease?

An infectious, silent, gum disease process that involves inflammation

What is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults?

Periodontal disease

How is this disease transferred?

The bacteria is transferred through saliva, the disease isn’t

What is a systemic connection?

It is the idea that your mouth is connected with other parts of your body via the cardiovascular system

What is most linked to gum disease?

Heart attack and stroke

Where have scientists found periodontal bacteria besides the mouth?

In the bloodstream and brain

How can periodontal disease cause a ‘susceptibility change`?

Some systemic conditions can increase susceptibility to certain periodontal disease and vice versa

What are some things that can occur because of periodontal disease?

Cardiovascular disease, preterm low birth rate, respiratory disease

What are the causes of periodontal disease?

Biofilm, calculus, supra/subgingival calculus

What should you do if you have a dental application?

Clean it!!

What are some other risk factors?

Inflammation caused by bacteria, it can also alter the bodies response and constantly put the body in fight or flight