Understanding Oral Health: From Plaque to Periodontal Disease
Understanding Oral Health
Plaque Formation and Calculus
Plaque Stages
- 1st Stage: Food debris accumulates, forming a plaque where bacteria begin to gather.
- 2nd Stage: Within 24 hours, the plaque hardens due to food remnants and microorganisms.
- 3rd Stage: Bacterial colonies form and multiply, leading to plaque development.
Plaque vs. Calculus
| Feature | Plaque | Calculus |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Invisible | Visible |
| Removal | Removed by brushing and flossing | Removed by a dentist with ultrasonic tools |
| Causes | Poor oral hygiene, high-sugar diet, bacterial invasion | Same as plaque, but persists over time |
Oral Pathology
Caries (Tooth Decay)
Caries is a common chronic disease that destroys tooth tissue. It typically affects individuals with erupted teeth.
Location
Caries is most frequent on the occlusal surfaces of molars and premolars, followed by interproximal areas and the tooth neck.
Causes
Poor oral hygiene, a sugar-rich diet, and the presence of bacteria like Streptococcus mutans contribute to caries development.
Evolution
Caries progresses from enamel demineralization to dentin and pulp involvement, potentially leading to abscesses and affecting periodontal tissues.
Symptoms
Initially asymptomatic, caries may cause color changes and softened tooth structure. As it progresses, sensitivity to cold and heat, continuous pain, and abscesses may occur.
Treatment
Treatment options include monitoring, removing decayed tissue and filling the cavity, or root canal treatment for deep cavities affecting the pulp.
Gingivitis and Periodontitis
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gum tissue, while periodontitis involves inflammation of the periodontal tissues, including the gums and ligaments.
Causes
Poor oral hygiene, plaque and calculus buildup, tooth malposition, and inadequate interdental cleaning contribute to these conditions.
Symptoms
Symptoms include inflamed gums, pus formation, receding gums, and bleeding gums (gingivorrhagia).
Diagnosis
Diagnosis involves assessing symptoms and using a periodontal probe to measure the depth of periodontal pockets.
Prevention and Treatment
Good oral hygiene is crucial for prevention. Treatment may involve correcting dental issues, scaling and root planing (curettage) to remove infected tissue, and medication.
Oral Mucosa Diseases
Leukoplakia
Leukoplakia is characterized by white patches or plaques on the oral mucosa that cannot be scraped off. Causes include excessive alcohol and tobacco use, poor oral hygiene, and denture irritation. Treatment may involve monitoring, surgery, or medication.
Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is a malignant tumor that can develop from leukoplakia or due to tobacco and alcohol use, viral infections, or other factors. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
Candidiasis
Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by Candida species. It can occur due to ill-fitting dentures, prolonged antibiotic use, or underlying medical conditions. Treatment involves antifungal medications.
Pharmacology in Dentistry
Anesthetics
Anesthetics are used to reduce pain, sensitivity, and movement during dental procedures.
Local Anesthetics
Local anesthetics numb a specific area by interrupting nerve impulses. They have a short duration of action and are reversible.
Forms of Administration
- Topical: Applied directly to the gums to reduce discomfort before injections.
- Injectable: Administered via injection to numb the area for dental procedures.