What is periodontitis? Causes of Periodontosis

Periodontitis is a oral disease in which there is loss of bone in the jaw. This bone is essential in holding the teeth in place in the jaw. 

Periodontitis is one of the largest problems in dental hygiene in the U.S. it ranks second only to cavities. The American Academy of Periodontology have data that states that in the U.S, 30-55 percent of adults are affected by Periodontitis in a mild to moderate form. The percentage of the less fortunate people who suffer from a more severe stage of Periodontitis is 5 to 20 percent of the population.

Healthy human tissues regenerate themselves over a period of time.In Peridontitis, however, the rate of loss of the bone material is much faster than the rate of its regeneration. Though scientists have come to understand how bone material is lost, they have not yet found out a clear reason why new bone formation could be impaired. 

What causes Periodontitis?

According to a new paper by UCLA researchers, it is suggested that a master protein may control the impairment of bone formation in the serious gum disease called Periodontitis.

In another paper published in the online edition of the journal Nature Medicine, researchers have again suggested that a master protein is involved heavily in the process of degeneration of the jawbone structure. They have identified a protein called nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB). They say it is this protein that is responsible for inhibiting regeneration of the bone material. Arresting the function of this master protein, called nuclear factor-kB, will help in maintaining the bone formation.

This NF-kB protein was recognized to play a part in cells that are responsible for resorbing bone. This is what could lead to loss of bone, or impairment of regeneration of bone material.

Research and development in treating Periodontitis.

Research and development in arresting degeneration of the jawbone and finding effective treatment for periodontitis is ongoing in order to improve oral hygiene and health. The UCLA researchers have used a different approach in their study of the NF-kB protein. 

They have turned around their focus from the role of the NF-kB protein in cells that results in reabsorbing the bone and have chosen to look at the role it plays and its effects in inhibiting cells that are responsible in forming bone instead. They hope this will lead to better understanding of the dreadful disease and thus a better treatment of the disease eventually resulting in better oral health.

Know More ABout Denture Adhesives

Denture adhesives refer to a category of commercial products that used to increase the retention and stability of  different types of complete dentures. Denture adhesives are usually introduced in the form of powder, glow or adhesive  tapes.

Denture stability  is the first requirement needed to gain the patient satisfaction, No one wants to wear a denture that is not fixed in place or even fall during speaking or eating, It can be really embarrassing and can lead to denture phobia.

Dentures don’t need adhesives  if the patient has enough ridge height and healthy salivation . But sometimes the patient spend much time eating on he toothless ridge which may cause ridge bone  loss. Also there are many other causes  that can prevent  denture stability, In these cases may be you will need the assistance of denture adhesives.

Types and forms : Denture Adhesives

Denture adhesive  is a bio-compatible glow that used to keep the denture in place during function. There are many types and forms available today like powder, paste and tape.

So what is the best type for you??

Lets say that we can not favor one of the previous forms for every case,  it depends on the case. Some people like the paste form as it gives a good retention while the others hate it because the excess paste is spilled in the mouth and need to be cleaned. Many patients like the powder form as the excess powder is not a  problem because it is very easy to be cleaned, But we have to mention that some patients find it “Not retentive enough”.

So you should try some of the available brands until you discover the one that can give you the best results,  sure consulting your dentist will shorten the road.

Do you need denture adhesives?

First we have to concentrate on a very important point “Adhesives are not the solution for ill fitted rocking denture “.  It is very important for you to know that adhesives should only be used with properly manufactured, good fitting  and non rocking dentures. If you have a new denture and it is not fitting, rocking or cause sores and ulcers then you should  see your dentist quickly to fix it. If you neglected the problem and tried to use adhesives the jaw bone will shrink  which will be very hard for the dentist to repair and sometimes you will need to make a new denture that can be worse than the first one.

What if you have an old denture that was retentive and stable then after 2-5 years  it becomes loose, falling or rock during speaking or eating. Unfortunately denture adhesives are not the solution here this old denture needs what we call “relining”. Relining is needed when the dimension of the jaw bone under the denture shrinks  as a response to the mastication force falling on it.  In this case you have to see your dentist to take a new impression  to add a thin layer compensating the lost bone.

Before judgement you have to collect knowledge, Get a closer look to Islam.

So it is indicated to use adhesives only when you have a properly manufactured denture, that accurately fits your gum but has a bad retention due to insufficient height of ridge bone or insufficient salivation.

Some times the denture is  fixed in place but you just need more confidence that it will not fall during speaking or eating. This fear is common among new denture wearers so it is OK to use it but you have to concentrate more in training your self to stabilize the denture in place as the muscles coordination has a great role in denture fixation.

How to use denture adhesives:

1-First clean your denture with tooth brush or denture brush.

2- If you will use powder adhesive keep the fitting surface a little wet then shake the powder container lightly to spread the powder to the fitting surface then wear your denture. Don’t eat for the next 15-30 min.

In case of paste adhesive apply a separate pea sized pieces  from the tube to the fitting surface and keep the adhesive away from the denture base periphery not  to expel the excess in your mouth. Then put the denture in place. Using too much adhesive won’t be useful and will be hard to clean .

With the tape adhesive you will just adheres the tape to the denture base and put it in your mouth after customizing it and cutting the excess.

Generally use the least amount of the adhesive first then gradually increase the amount every day till you reach the best sufficient amount needed to stabilize your denture.

Some adhesives may cause some kind of allergy that is usually presented as gum burning or redness,  in that case stop using it and call your dentist to prescribe you a different brand .

There are many denture adhesive brands  in the market. Cushion grip, Equate Firm grip, Super poli grip, Fixodent, Sea bond and Ends lip. The selection is yours you can use any of them according to your preference. The prices range from 3$ to 25&.