What is periodontal disease?Periodontal diseases are mainly the result of infections and inflammation of the gums and bone that surround and support the teeth. In its early stage, called gingivitis, the gums can become swollen and red, and they may bleed. In its more serious form, called periodontitis, the gums can pull away from the tooth, bone can be lost, and the teeth may loosen or even fall out. Periodontal disease is mostly seen in adults. Periodontal disease and tooth decay are the two biggest threats to dental health. Show
A recent CDC report1 provides the following data related to prevalence of periodontitis in the U.S.:
This condition is more common in men than women (56.4% vs 38.4%), those living below the federal poverty level (65.4%), those with less than a high school education (66.9%), and current smokers (64.2%) CausesBacteria in the mouth infect tissue surrounding the tooth, causing inflammation around the tooth leading to periodontal disease. When bacteria stay on the teeth long enough, they form a film called plaque, which eventually hardens to tartar, also called calculus. Tartar build-up can spread below the gum line, which makes the teeth harder to clean. Then, only a dental health professional can remove the tartar and stop the periodontal disease process. Warning signsThe following are warning signs of periodontal disease:
Risk factorsCertain factors increase the risk for periodontal disease:
Prevention and treatmentGingivitis can be controlled and treated with good oral hygiene and regular professional cleaning. More severe forms of periodontal disease can also be treated successfully but may require more extensive treatment. Such treatment might include deep cleaning of the tooth root surfaces below the gums, medications prescribed to take by mouth or placed directly under the gums, and sometimes corrective surgery. To help prevent or control periodontal diseases, it is important to:
If you can’t afford dental care, you may be able to find help through the following sources:
What is the CDC doing about periodontal disease?The CDC is currently working with key partner organizations such as the American Academy of Periodontology and the American Dental Association to improve and sustain surveillance of periodontal disease in the adult U.S. population. The efforts of the CDC include (1) developing measures for use in surveillance of periodontal disease at the state and local levels, (2) improving the validity of prevalence estimates derived from the NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) by improving the accuracy of the clinical examination protocols used in this national survey, and (3) developing simple measures for screening for periodontal disease in clinical settings. For additional background related to CDC activities, please click on the links listed: Eke PI, Thornton-Evans G, Dye BA, Genco R. Advances in Surveillance of Periodontitis: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Periodontal Disease Surveillance Project. J Periodontol 11 February 2012: 1–9. View full textexternal icon. Eke PI, Page PC, Wei L, Thornton-Evans G, Genco RJ. Update of the Case Definitions for Population-Based Surveillance of Periodontitis. J Periodontol 16 March 2012:1–9. View full textexternal icon. Eke PI, Thornton-Evans G, Wei L, Borgnakke WS, Dye BA. Accuracy of NHANES Periodontal Examination Protocols. J Dent Res 2010;89(11): 1208–1213. View abstractexternal icon. Podcasts About Periodontal Disease and DiabetesListen to Summary: Periodontal Disease and Diabetes Podcast. Provides valuable information on the impact of periodontal disease and its link to diabetes (Length 1:36). View transcript. Listen to Periodontal Disease and Diabetes Podcast. Informative interview of two dental professionals about periodontal disease, diabetes complications, and the influence of poor oral health on blood glucose control (Length 5:33). View transcript. Additional ResourcesPeriodontal (Gum) Diseases: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment. [PDF–1.26 M]external icon. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research consumer brochure. Bethesda, MD. Reprinted January 2006. American Academy of Periodontologyexternal icon Journal articles on periodontal disease Reference1Eke PI, Dye B, Wei L, Thornton-Evans G, Genco R. Prevalence of Periodontitis in Adults in the United States: 2009 and 2010. J Dent Res. Published online 30 August 2012:1–7. View full textexternal icon. Top of Page Which client would be most at risk for alterations in oral health?Which client would be most at risk for alterations in oral health? chemotherapy, those who are NPO, and those who have nasogastric tubes or oral airways in place.
Which of the following is one of the most important benefits of a nurse helping with bathing?One important benefit of a nurse helping a patient with bathing is that the nurse can help the patient to avoid injury. For example, the nurse can help the patient to avoid slipping in the tub or shower, and can also help the patient to avoid getting soap in their eyes.
Which part of the tooth weakens with aging causing the patient?Tooth enamel tends to wear away with aging, making the teeth vulnerable to damage and decay.
Which client is most likely to require hospitalization related to problems associated with the feet quizlet?Which client is most likely to require hospitalization related to problems associated with the feet? Foot problems, particularly common in people with diabetes and peripheral vascular disease, often require hospitalization. The nurse assists the client to the bathroom sink to perform morning care.
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