Download Sarah Dawson English 301 Unit 1.3 Introduction: Marcy, a 28 year

Sarah Dawson
English 301
Unit 1.3
Introduction: Marcy, a 28 year old high school teacher, has been diagnosed with periodontal
disease by her Dentist. Having little to no dental knowledge, Marcy was given the following
information from her dental hygienist in order to better understand her condition.
Parenthetical Definition
Periodontal Disease (infection of the gums, ligaments and supporting bone around the teeth) is the
primary cause of tooth loss in adults. 123
Sentence Definition
Periodontal Disease, a condition found in the oral cavity, occurs when microscopic bacteria sticks to
the surfaces of the teeth. If bacteria are not properly removed from the teeth, inflammation of the
gums and destruction of supporting ligaments and bone can occur. Eventually, if no treatment is
completed tooth mobility and tooth loss follow. 123
Expanded Definition
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease is a condition where the surrounding bone and
tissues that support the teeth start to deteriorate. This creates a pocket alongside of the teeth where
plaque (sticky substance that forms on teeth made up of bacteria) and food can collect. If not
properly removed, this will cause further inflammation of gums and quicken the pace of bone loss
around the teeth. Eventually the affected teeth will become mobile and either fall out or need to be
removed by a Dentist due to discomfort.
What Causes Periodontal Disease?
In most cases, poor oral hygiene is the main contributor to the development of periodontal disease.
Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day will help to mechanically remove bacteria from the
tooth surface, decreasing the chance of gum inflammation. Other contributing factors are: Smoking,
Diabetes (metabolic disease causing elevated levels of glucose in the body)4 and some medications.
What are the symptoms of Periodontal Disease?
Red, swollen or bleeding gums, bad breath, tooth pain, tooth mobility and tooth loss are all signs and
symptoms of periodontal disease.123 Often, infection can occur when a patient has periodontal
disease, which leads to a periodontal abscess (localized collection of pus within the pocket
surrounding the tooth)5.
How to treat periodontal disease?
If you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease, your dentist or dental hygienist may
recommended that you come more frequently for a deep cleaning.123 This treatment requires
scaling, which is where your dental provider will scrape off hardened plaque (calculus) deposits from
above and below the gum line.3 This procedure will reduce gum inflammation, and prevent the
supporting bone from deteriorating further. Adequate oral hygiene habits will be recommended in
conjunction with this treatment in order to attain the best possible results.
How can you prevent the development of periodontal disease?
Good oral hygiene is the best means of prevention which can be achieved by flossing daily and tooth
brushing twice a day.123 It is also important to seek regular dental care at least twice a year, or more
depending on the recommendation of your dental care provider.
References
1. Fotek, I. Periodontitis.(2014, February 25) Retrieved from:
https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001059.htm
2. Periodontal (gum) disease: causes, symptoms and treatments. (2014, December 08) Retrieved
from:
http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/oralhealth/Topics/GumDiseases/PeriodontalGumDisease.htm#riskFac
tors
3. Wyatt, AD Jr. Gingivitis and periodontal disease (gum disease)(2015, January 26) Retrieved
from: http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/gingivitis-periodontal-disease?page=3
4. Diabetes Mellitus (2015, September 27)Retrieved from:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diabetes_mellitus
5. Periodontal Abcess (2015, June 12)Retrieved from:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Periodontal_abscess