Dental Anatomy: Gingivitis and Periodontitis

Study Notes

Gingiva and Periodontium

Gingiva: the gum tissue that surrounds and supports the teeth
Gingivitis: inflammation of the gingiva
Gingivectomy: a surgical procedure to remove inflamed gum tissue
Attached to the alveolar bone surrounding the teeth
Periodontium: the supportive tissue surrounding the teeth, including gingiva, alveolar bone, periodontal ligament, and cementum
Periodontitis: inflammation of the entire periodontium, leading to tooth loss
Surrounding the teeth, including gingiva and alveolar bone

Mucosa and Anatomical Boundaries

Mucosa: a moist lining tissue found in various parts of the body, including the inside of the mouth
Lines the inside of the mouth (cheeks, lips, floor of the mouth)
Mucogingival Junction: the boundary area where the lining mucosa transitions into the firmer gum tissue (gingiva)
Border between the movable lining mucosa and the fixed gum tissue (gingiva) around the teeth

Dental Anatomy

Alveolar Bone: the bony socket in the jaw that supports the teeth
Surrounds the roots of the teeth
Sulcus: a shallow space between the tooth and the gingiva
Temporal Mandibular Joint (TMJ): the joint connecting the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull
On each side of the head, just in front of the ear
Uvula: a small, fleshy projection hanging from the back of the soft palate
Back of the roof of the mouth
Tonsils: two pads of tissue at the back of the throat, one on each side
Back of the throat on either side
Frenum: a small fold of tissue that connects the lip, tongue, or cheek to the gum tissue
Varies depending on the specific frenum (e.g., labial frenum connects upper lip to gum)

Dental Conditions and Terms

Caries: tooth decay
Halitosis: bad breath
Xerostomia: dry mouth
Restorations: fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures - replaced or repaired tooth structures
Calculus (Tartar): hardened plaque buildup on teeth
Plaque: sticky film of bacteria on teeth
Exfoliation: the natural shedding of the outer layer of skin
Eruption: the process of a tooth emerging from the gum tissue
Impaction: a tooth that is stuck and unable to erupt completely

Anatomical Terms

Anterior: towards the front of the mouth (incisors and canines)
Posterior: towards the back of the mouth (premolars and molars)
Lateral: to the side
Dorsal: upper surface (typically not used for the mouth)
Superior: upper
Inferior: lower

Description

This quiz covers the anatomy and diseases of the gum tissue, including gingivitis and periodontitis. It also covers the periodontium, which includes the gingiva, alveolar bone, periodontal ligament, and cementum.