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The truth about periodontal disease: Why you need to understand the periodontal support structures?
Periodontal disease is a common problem faced by many adults, but its pathological basis is often overlooked. Understanding the periodontal tissue and its supporting structures is critical in combating periodontal disease because they directly affect the health and stability of the teeth. There are complex structures inside our mouths that work together to protect and support our teeth. In what follows, we’ll take a closer look at the periodontal support structures, including the gingiva, alveolar bone, periodontal ligament, and cementum.
Periodontal support structure
Periodontal tissue refers to a series of structures that directly surround, support and protect teeth.
Periodontal tissue includes gingiva, alveolar bone, cementum and periodontal ligament. These tissues each have important functions and work in coordination with each other to keep the teeth stable. When these structures are attacked by disease, teeth may become loose or even fall out.
Gingiva
The normal color range of gums ranges from light coral pink to dark pigmentation. It is composed of soft tissue and connective fibers that cover and protect the cementum and periodontal ligament of the tooth root. The gingiva is divided into three main anatomical parts: free gingiva, attached gingiva, and interdental gingiva. Each part is structurally different, but its function is to protect against mechanical and bacterial damage.
Types of gums
The free gingiva is located above the alveolar bone, and the attached gingiva is closely combined with the alveolar bone and cementum.
Free gums form a protective band around the roots of the teeth, while attached gums disperse the pressure on the gums during chewing. The interdental gingiva is located below the contact point between adjacent teeth and is mainly used to prevent food impaction.
Alveolar bone and cementum
The alveolar bone is the part that supports the teeth. When the teeth are healthy, the alveolar bone surrounds the teeth and forms a strong alveolar hole. Cementum is the outer layer of the tooth root and helps the fibers of the periodontal ligament to attach to the tooth.
Periodontal ligament
The periodontal ligament is the connective tissue that connects the tooth root to the surrounding alveolar bone and is able to withstand the pressure exerted by chewing and protect the stability of the tooth. This ligament contains blood vessels and nerves and is responsible for supplying the nutrients the tooth needs and sensing pressure.
The impact of periodontal disease
Periodontal disease is a common disease characterized by inflammation and damage of periodontal tissue. The mildest form, gingivitis, usually presents with spontaneous bleeding when brushing teeth or eating. This type of disease is reversible, but if not treated in time, it may progress to more severe periodontitis, causing permanent damage to the teeth.
Periodontal disease is mainly caused by the accumulation of dental plaque. Sustained low-level inflammation can lead to the destruction of periodontal tissue and the loss of alveolar bone.
Prevention and Treatment
The key to preventing periodontal disease is maintaining good oral hygiene habits, including proper brushing and flossing techniques. Regular dental checkups and professional cleanings are also crucial.
When signs of periodontal disease are discovered, your dentist may provide treatment options including periodontal management, stain removal, and gum restoration. These methods can help reduce the effects of periodontitis and restore the health of periodontal tissue.
Thinking and future prospects
Understanding the structure and function of periodontal tissue can help us better prevent and treat periodontal disease and improve oral health. With the advancement of dental technology, there will be more emerging methods to fight periodontal disease in the future. So, are you willing to put more effort and attention into your oral health?
