The Prevalence of Periodontal Diseases – Nursing Assignment Help

Assignment Task

Periodontal diseases comprise a group of inflammatory diseases that affect the gums, deeper connective tissues and jaw bone, all of which support the teeth (AIHW 2000). Periodontal diseases have been estimated to be among the most prevalent health problems in Australia (AIHW 2000)

Periodontal diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are amongst the most common chronic diseases. The word periodontal literally means “around the tooth”. Periodontal diseases are a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth.
Periodontitis is one of the principal oral diseases among the adult population; its chronic form is the most common. This disease affects the structures of dental support and, if left untreated, it may cause generalized teeth loss and deteriorate the patient’s general health as it is associated with systemic disease.
The prevalence of periodontal diseases and conditions were relatively high in the Australian adult population. Some three in every ten Australian adults had moderate to severe periodontitis.

Periodontal disease may increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and dementia. Regular flossing, along with brushing, are key in preventing periodontal disease. Periodontal disease (periodontitis) has long been known as the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

Illustrates that Periodontal disease is a multifactorial infectious disease which occurs as a result of challenge between the host response and specific periodontal pathogens characterized by the manifestation of damage of periodontal supporting tissue loss in a period of time.

Some risk factors may modify an individual’s vulnerability or resistance to periodontal disease. These periodontitis risk factors have been identified: periodontal pathogen microorganisms, poor oral hygiene, diabetes and other systemic diseases associated to immunological dysfunction, tobacco smoking, age, sex, race, genetic predisposition, socioeconomic status, obesity, stress, immunosuppression, among others.