Inflammatory Response and Epithelial Defense

A severe gum infection that damages soft tissues and destroys supporting bone around the teeth. It can lead to tooth mobility and loss, and is linked to an increased risk of systemic diseases. It involves an irreversible host-mediated inflammatory response within the periodontium.

A structured community of bacterial cells enclosed in a self-produced polymeric matrix and attached to a surface, such as teeth. It is involved in the development of dental caries and periodontal disease.

The area where the gum tissue attaches to the tooth's surface.

The tissues that support the teeth, including the gums, bone, ligaments, and cementum.

Factors that increase the likelihood of a host developing a disease, such as bacteria and their toxins.

The body's natural defense system against pathogens, including innate and acquired immunity.

Proteins that regulate the immune response, influencing inflammation and other immune processes.

Lipid compounds that play a role in inflammation and other biological processes.

The initial stage of plaque formation where bacteria attach to the pellicle, a thin film on the tooth surface.

The process where new bacteria join the initial colonizers, forming a larger bacterial community on the tooth surface.

The formation of a slimy layer (extracellular matrix) around the bacteria, providing protection and a more complex structure.

A crucial stage in plaque development where the bacterial colonies mature, changing their composition and becoming more resistant.

A type of tissue found in the gums, facing the oral cavity.

The lining of the gingival sulcus, the space between the tooth and the gum.

A dominant group of bacteria found in the subgingival environment, due to its oxygen-poor conditions.

The fluid that forms during inflammation to deliver immune cells to the site and dilute bacterial toxins. It's composed of plasma, white blood cells, and other proteins.

Neutrophils are the main cells involved in the cellular response during inflammation. They engulf and destroy bacteria through phagocytosis and release antimicrobial agents.

The epithelium acts as a physical barrier against plaque microorganisms by forming a tight layer that prevents bacteria from entering. It also produces antimicrobial peptides that kill bacteria.

The protective function of the epithelium is compromised when it's damaged by bacterial toxins. This allows bacteria to penetrate the tissue and cause infection.

A type of immune response that is specific to a particular pathogen and involves the production of antibodies.

The ability of the immune system to remember previous encounters with pathogens and mount a faster and stronger response upon re-exposure.

Proteins produced by the immune system that bind to and neutralize specific pathogens.

A type of adaptive immunity involving antibodies circulating in the blood.

A type of adaptive immunity involving immune cells directly attacking infected cells.

Substances on the surface of pathogens recognized by the immune system.

A type of immune cell that plays a role in the innate immune response.

A type of immune cell found in the skin that helps initiate an immune response.

White blood cells that differentiate into plasma cells, which produce antibodies specific to the recognized antigen.

The process of immune cells multiplying and specializing to fight a specific antigen.

Antibodies that neutralize pathogens by binding to them and preventing them from attaching to host cells.

The immune response that involves the production of antibodies by B lymphocytes.

Immune cells that directly attack infected or cancerous cells without the need for antibodies.

The immune response that involves T lymphocytes directly attacking infected cells or foreign invaders.

A type of immune cell that engulfs and destroys pathogens, often after they have been marked by antibodies.

The idea that any accumulation of plaque, regardless of specific bacterial species, leads to periodontal disease.

This theory proposes that only specific pathogenic bacteria, like those in the 'red complex', are directly responsible for periodontal disease.

This hypothesis highlights the role of 'keystone pathogens' that disrupt the host's immune system, leading to an imbalance of bacteria (dysbiosis) and periodontal disease.

A group of bacteria, often referred to as the 'red complex', believed to be highly pathogenic in periodontal disease.

A shift in the types of bacteria present in plaque, rather than just an increase in quantity, is seen as a crucial factor in the development of periodontal disease.

An ecological imbalance in the bacterial community within plaque, often with an increase in harmful bacteria, leading to periodontal disease.

Specific bacterial species that can trigger an exaggerated and destructive immune response in the host, leading to periodontal disease.

The body's immune system response becomes uncontrolled, leading to excessive inflammation and tissue destruction in periodontal disease.