PROGRESSION OF GUM DISEASE

Periodontitis ˌ is an inflammatory disease affecting the periodontium, i.e., the tissues that surround and support the teeth. Periodontitis involves progressive loss of the alveolar bone around the teeth, and if left untreated, can lead to the loosening and subsequent loss of teeth. 

Periodontitis is caused by toxins or poisons produced by the bacteria in plaque and start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed.

 

A diagnosis of periodontitis 

1.  Inspecting the soft gum tissues around the teeth with a probe (i.e., a clinical examination)

2.  By evaluating the patient's X-ray films (i.e. a radiographic examination), to determine the amount of bone loss around the teeth.

pocketing ( space between tooth & gum)

xray it show bone level

 

GINGIVITIS:

The gum mildly inflamed. It may appear swollen or reddish and easily bleed during tooth brushing.

The teeth are still firmly planted in their sockets. No irreversible bone or other tissue damage has occurred at this stage.

Reversible gum inflammed

bone level normal

EARLY STAGE OF PERIODONTITIS

In a person with periodontitis, the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth and form pockets. These small spaces between teeth and gums collect debris and can become infected.

 

ADVANCE PERIODONTITIS

Supporting fibers and bone are destroyed. Teeth become loose and may need to removed.

severe bone loss

Oral Health Tips

Checklists 

To help kids practice a good oral health habits:

• Make sure they brush twice a day especially after breakfast and before going to sleep at night. 

       

• Brushing teeth together with your kids is a fun and healthy activity and it must.

•  Bring them to visit a dentist since they are young to familiar themselves to dentist and clinic.

        Moreover, prevention is better than cure.

• Good oral health can boost your child confidence and it may influence the development physically and mentally.

       

 

•   Limit the snacking time of your child a day.

• Fluoridated toothpaste helps in fighting the cavity formation and teeth stronger. So make sure they use the fluoridated toothpaste and only a pea sized of toothpaste.

• Replace wear off toothbrush of your child every 3 to 4 months.

       

• ‘Role model’ is a key point. Parents are first people who give positive or negative influence to their children. Hence, parent can encourage their children and be a role model to them.

source: colgate 
 

口腔癌 早发现 免化疗

口腔的任何一个部位，都有可能会形成口腔癌。大多数口腔癌都从舌头和口底开始形成，而任何人都有可能患上口腔癌，不过，年龄超过40岁，有吸烟或饮酒习惯的男性患癌的风险较高。

口腔癌的症状包括：

• 口腔内出现白色或红色的斑点
• 口腔内出现不会痊愈的溃疡（mouth sore）
• 口腔内出血
• 牙齿松动
• 在吞食时感到困难，或有疼痛
• 颈项出现肿瘤（lump）
• 耳朵疼痛

其他普遍的异状包括长肿瘤（lumps）或肿胀（swelling），以及在十数天内，不会痊愈的溃疡。溃疡通常是很疼，很软，但是会痊愈。不过，癌性溃疡却是有硬度的，而且不一定会疼痛。如果癌细胞扩散至舌头，那么病患可能不能正常说话，甚至连进食都会有困难。 

另外，口腔癌也有可能是病毒感染所导致，如能导致子宫颈癌的人类乳头状瘤病毒（human papilloma virus），或能引发鼻癌或咽喉癌的Epstein-Barr病毒。

大多数的口腔癌患者一般是在病情严重之后才被诊断出患有口腔癌。这使他们必须接受更多可能造成毁容的手术，病情复发或死亡的几率也会比较高。癌细胞也可能也会扩散至口腔以外的地方，一些病患甚至得将眼球给切除。在很多严重的案例中，口腔癌会在少于半年的时间内复发。

在10名提早发现口腔癌的病患当中，有9名能活过5年。如果在病情严重时才被诊断患有口腔癌的话，在10名病患之中，只有少过2名病患会活过5年。

及早发现口腔癌也会使病患避免接受化疗或放疗（radiotherapy），也有一些病患可以不用服药，只需要定期检查病情。及早发现口腔癌，存活的几率高达80%到90%，但若太晚才察觉，几率便会下跌到20%到30%。

及早检验，就是治疗口腔癌最好的方法！ 

*资料来源于《我报》2013/07/24