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Periodontology is the branch of dentistry that deals with the treatment of diseases of the gingiva and the periodontium. It is also known as dental periodontology. This branch of dentistry deals with the gingiva, periodontal ligament, alveolar bone, and cementum.
The gingiva is the soft tissue that covers the alveolar bone. The periodontal ligament is the specialized connective tissue that attaches the alveolar bone to the tooth.
The cementum is the thin layer of hard tissue that covers the root of the tooth. Under normal circumstances, the gingiva and cementum are attached to the tooth by the periodontal ligament.
The most common periodontal diseases, their causes, and their symptoms are as follows:
Periodontitis is a bacterial infection of the gingiva, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. It is also known as chronic periodontal disease. The bacteria accumulate in the plaque in the mouth and start living in the system. The bacteria produce toxins, which lead to periodontal disease.
The most common cause of periodontitis is the excessive accumulation of plaque, which in turn leads to the formation of tartar. Periodontitis is accompanied by the symptoms like pain in the gums, bleeding of the gums, swelling of the gums, bad breath, and loosing of the teeth.
Gingivitis is caused by the accumulation of plaque in the mouth, leading to the formation of tartar, which in turn leads to necrosis of the gingiva. This necrosis of the gingiva leads to inflammation, which is exactly what gingivitis is.
The gingiva becomes red in color and starts swelling and bleeding. The teeth can look yellow in color.
A periodontal abscess is a condition in which pus accumulates in the pocket of the periodontal disease. The pus formation is a result of a bacterial infection. The abscess is a painful condition that leads to the swelling of the gingiva.
The diseases and conditions mentioned above are all different kinds of periodontal diseases. However, they are all caused by similar habits, which is why it is important to take care of your teeth.