Читать книгу Basic Guide to Oral Health Education and Promotion - Alison Chapman - Страница 93

Periodontitis (Figure 4.1) describes the inflammation and gradual destruction of the periodontium (the supporting structure of the tooth).

Slowly progressing periodontitis was previously called chronic periodontitis, and rapidly progressing disease was called aggressive periodontitis. However, it is now thought that they are variations of the same disease process.

Periodontitis may look like gingivitis, but can be distinguished by:

 Periodontal probing (depth of pocket is greater than 3 mm).

 X‐rays, which show loss of bone support.

 Loose teeth (potentially).

 Damage is not reversible.

Remember! It is important that the oral health educator (OHE) can distinguish between gingivitis (the continual but superficial inflammation of the gingivae), and periodontitis (the destruction of the periodontium).

Figure 4.1 Adult periodontal disease.

Source: Alison Chapman.