Science Fair Projects Research On Periodotal Diseases

Tasmiha
Age: 16
Illinois, USA

Periodontal Diseases
Gingivitis and periodontitis both fall under the category of periodontal diseases. The word ‘periodontal’ literally has the definition of “around the tooth”. It is usually a chronic bacterial infection that affects both the bones and gums of teeth. The following is a picture contrasting a healthy tooth to one that is affected with periodontal disease References on Traumatized Teeth - (The American Academy of Periodontology 2004, [Online]).

Types of Periodontal Disease
There are many types of periodontal disease. The most common would be classified as chronic, insidious, and episodic. Chronic periodontitis is when the disease is forming slowly. It may take months and even years to develop. After the development of this disease, it may be diagnosed. However, there is really no cure for it. Instead, it is just handled with just like diabetes and high blood pressure.

Insidious periodontitis is very subtle. One may not be able to recognize the fact that it is present for the symptoms appear after it has developed fully. Some symptoms may include bleeding gums, sore or itchy gums, loose teeth, bad breath, and severe gum swelling. When one is afflicted with this type of periodontitis, diagnostic tests in the form of periodontal exams must be taken.

Episodic periodontitis functions a bit differently from that of other types of disease. When one is afflicted with this type of disease, even though the infection is present, there may not always be bone loss occurring. If it does occur, it may not affect all places of the mouth. Instead it works in intervals causing it to work in some locations in the mouth and not others References on Traumatized Teeth - (Pohlhaus, Steven R. 2000 [Online]). Treatment and Prevention of Periodontal Disease

The treatment for periodontal disease varies from case to case. However, most treatments begin with cleaning below the gum line by the doctor or hygienist. The main way to treat any periodontal disease would be to brush the teeth and floss properly and regularly. Visiting one’s hygienist or dentist can be a great factor to reduce this disease as well. By taking proper precautions such as removing plaque, one will benefit in the long run for they will not be afflicted with this and other diseases References on Traumatized Teeth - (Pohlhaus, Steven R. 2000 [Online]).

People who are at Risk
Because everyone is exposed to bacteria, everybody is at the risk for getting cavities. If one eats many carbohydrates and has no intake of the use of fluorine, has dry mouths and many fillings are also at risk. However, seniors and children are at the greatest risks of getting cavities because they have softer tooth enamel than adults. Therefore, acid can easily eat away their teeth at a quicker pace. Thus, one should always take the proper precautions to keep their teeth healthy to prevent any mishaps to occur References on Traumatized Teeth - (Peterson, D. 1998-2004, [Online]).