Pyorrhoea or periodontitis refers to an advanced stage of periodontal disease in which the ligaments and bones that support the teeth become inflamed and infected. It is usually a result of gingivitis a periodontal disease that infects the gum through plaque leading to the formation of a pocket between the teeth that trap the plaque. If left untreated pyorrhea can cause halitosis (bad breath) in which the jaw bone is slowly eroded due to painful and bleeding gums. Eventually the loss of tooth support can cause tooth loss and this disease is the primary cause of tooth loss in adults. In order for this stage to be avoided those with pyorrhea should contact their periodontist for treatment.
Most private health insurance companies increase premiums annually. Estimates report that premiums increased an average of 87 percent between the years 2000-2006. Income, however, is not rising proportionally to keep pace with insurance and the other costs-of-living increases. This is a situation that cannot continue indefinitely while maintaining the same numbers of insured. Following four reason stat that dental work should be part of universal health care system.
First reason, Partial or complete loss of the dentition can result in impairments to masticatory function. Also, systemic medical problems can be exacerbated when limitations are placed on the ability to chew or the ability to consume a well-balanced, nutritious diet. In addition, psychological well-being and quality of life can be compromised when tooth loss affect aesthetics or the ability to speak clearly.
A second reason, oral cancer, is mostly a disease of older adults. According to the American Cancer Society, about 30,000 people in the US develop oral cancer each year, and only about half of these individuals will survive five years after diagnosis. The low survival rate for most oral cancers results from metastasis to other sites prior to diagnosis. Oral carcinomas as a group are found twice as frequently in men than in women. Also, Hand and Whitehall (1986) reported an association between low levels of education and infrequent visits to the dentist for patients with oral mucosal lesions. In addition, epidemiologic studies indicate that heavy smoking, the chewing of smokeless tobacco, and heavy alcohol consumption are associated with the occurrence of oral carcinoma. Oral cancers can lead to disfigurement and the need for prosthetic appliances to restore function or aesthetics. It should also be noted that the use of radiation therapy to treat oral carcinomas can lead to other oral diseases. For example, decreased salivary flow resulting from radiation treatment can lead to increased susceptibility to infection.
A third reason, dental decay, affects older adults mostly as recurrent caries, cervical caries, and root caries (Banting,1984). Dental caries can be disabling and can result in pain and discomfort as well as tooth loss. Studies indicate that the prevalence of root-surface caries increases with age, and there is an association between root caries and gingival recession (Katz and Meskin, 1986). The 1985-1986 NIDR Survey indicated that root-surface lesions were present in 67% of the males and 61% of the females in a senior population. In addition to gingival recession, other factors that place older individuals at risk for caries include poor nutrition, reduced salivary fluid, poor oral hygiene, various systemic conditions, and certain medications.
Periodontal disease is fourth oral condition frequently found in elders and includes problems such as gingival recession, occlusal trauma, gingivitis, and periodontitis. The prevalence rates of calculus and gingival bleeding in seniors were higher than in younger adults. The severity and prevalence of periodontal diseases increase as individuals’ age. However, the prevalence of advanced periodontal disease in elders is less than previously believed. Severe disease can result in tooth loss, pain, and bleeding. Social functioning can also be impaired because of bad breath and poor aesthetics.
If dental work covered under the universal health care system, above mention problems may be cured in early stage. As heavy charge for dental work, people avoid to make visit to dentist.
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