Oral cavity

The oral cavity has many important components; teeth are embedded within the alveolar  bone and are held firmly by a periodontal ligament with gingival (gums) surrounding the cervical aspect of tooth and alveolar bone. There is a muscular tongue with many functions, sturdy palate forming the roof  of the oral cavity and the rest is formed by stretchable mucosa forming the buccal (cheek) and floor of mouth  below the tongue. Awareness  of dental caries among general public  is high but  periodontal diseases do not enjoy  the same level of importance among them.

The prevalence of periodontal  diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis are very high  in India. In a few states like Orissa and Rajasthan, prevalence of periodontal disease  is shown to be  100% in the age group of 35-44 years and 65-74 years. Gingivitis, left untreated, would lead to periodontitis, leading to loosening of tooth and finally loss of tooth. Major aetiology of gingivitis is poor  oral hygiene with plaque depositing on the tooth, which harbour numerous pathologic micro-organisms responsible in brining about gingivitis and its sequelae.