Brief introduction
My name is Justin Blazejewski and I am a Medical Anthropology student at Michigan State University. As part of course curriculum we are assigned to make our own website of interest based on a specific illness. As you go through my website you can expect to learn all aspects of the disease from the signs of onset to treatment or cessation of this oral health deficiency.
Why I chose the Periodontitis
Being a pre-dental, human biology major, I found it appropriate to research and write about periodontal disease (a.k.a. periodontitis). I am finishing up my senior year this semester with intention to enroll in a masters or post-baccalaureate program at Wayne State or Oakland University for one year before applying to dental schools. With that, I would love to add this oral health related research and self-knowledge for possible resumes in the future.
DEFINING periodontitis
*heavy inflammation and deeper pocket size, most likely with bleeding occurrence
*compares healthy gums and bone level to diseased
* a very extreme case of chronic periodontitis, highly unlikely to reverse back to normal
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The Disease
Periodontal Disease can be defined as severe gum infection, which damages soft tissue and destroys the bone, which holds and supports your teeth (Mayo Clinic). The disease, found in 15-20% of middle aged (35-44 years old), is known to cause tooth loss at acute levels and elevated risk for stroke, heart attack and other health problems at more chronic levels (WHO). If you're someone with good oral hygiene, the step to avoid this are simple; continue to seek regular checkups with your dentist, brush at least twice daily, and floss daily! Symptoms However if you’re someone experiencing gums that are swollen, bright red, tender, or receding, or have bad breath, bad taste, loosing teeth, or noticing a change in the way your teeth fit together upon bite you should seek dental assistance. Like many other health problems the sooner you seek care the better (Mayo Clinic). Causes Most often, periodontitis begins with plaque. If plaque is not removed by brushing and flossing within two to three days it may harden under your gum line into tartar. From here, you will notice inflammation and eventually gingivitis if going long enough without seeking dental help. This inflammation then causes pockets to develop becoming deeper under the gum tissue causing loss of bone and tissue and then one or more teeth leading to the disease (Mayo Clinic). Risk Factors The following increase your risk for periodontitis: Gingivitis, heredity, poor oral health, tobacco use, diabetes, old age, poor nutrition, hormonal changes, substance abuse, poor fitting dental restoration, certain medications, or teeth not fitting together when biting together (Mayo Clinic). Prevention The best prevention of the disease is to brush teeth twice daily or in-between each meal, floss daily, see your dentist for check up every six months, and stay away from tobacco and other risk factors (Mayo Clinic). |
Considering Anthropology
Anthropologists seem to study outside the lines of the medical doctors field. An anthropologist may study this illness differently in looking at the cultural norms, social institutions, or the environment effect the health of individuals dealing with periodontitis (Society for Medical Anthropology). For example an anthropologist could study if and where the highest majorities of disease infected persons are located and why this may be. They could look at genetics to see if the disease could be considered hereditary or not, whether or not wealth is a factor, or even time periods in which the disease peaked to its highest percentage of population. With this in mind, I am looking forward to researching the many ways periodontitis can be considered through anthropologist studies.
Bibliography
Mayo Clinic . "Periodontitis." . http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/periodontitis/basics/definition/con-20021679 (accessed July 10, 2014)
Society for Medical Anthropology. "A section for the American Anthropological Association." http://www.medanthro.net/blog/about-the-blog/ (Accessed July 16, 2014).
World Health Organization . "Oral Health Fact Sheet." http:////www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs318/en/. (accessed July 10, 2014).
Society for Medical Anthropology. "A section for the American Anthropological Association." http://www.medanthro.net/blog/about-the-blog/ (Accessed July 16, 2014).
World Health Organization . "Oral Health Fact Sheet." http:////www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs318/en/. (accessed July 10, 2014).