The evolution of gum science and disease diagnosis

[Dr.AmulyaThota_16]

Periodontics is defined as the scientific study of the periodontium in health and disease. Periodontology is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the illnesses and disorders that impact teeth and their supporting structures.

Ancient oral hygiene

Oral hygiene practices started in 3000 B.C. Babylonians and Assyrians suffering from periodontal diseases used to have gingival (gum) massages combined with various herbal medications. Ancient Indians like Susruta and Charaka advised the usage of a stick that is bitter for cleaning teeth to avoid loosening of teeth and purulent discharge from the gingiva (gums).

Advanced diagnostic instruments

1. Second generation periodontal probes

• Pressure probe (Vander probe)
• Pressure sensitive probe
• Borodontic probe
• Hunton probe (disposable probe)
• Yeaphe probe – to assess dentinal hypersensitivity.

2. Newer generations of periodontal probes

• Generation IV – These are three-dimensional probes that are currently being developed, designed to sequentially probe positions along the gingival sulcus.
• Generation V – They are the only non-invasive option available, with an ultrasound feature being added to the previous generation.

3. Optical coherence tomography

It analyzes the periodontal pockets for calculus deposits. It is an effective tool in assessing periodontal inflammation.

4. Tuned aperture computed tomography

It’s a highly accurate imaging tool to measure the healing bony defects without causing damage.

5. Micro CT

Used for quantitative assessment of alveolar ridge.

6. Nano biochip technology

It analyzes liquids to generate a digital signature associated with specific chemical conditions in the periodontium for identifying pH, electrolytes, metal cations, sugars, toxins, and proteins, helping in early diagnosis of periodontal diseases.

Past VS Present Oral hygiene aids

1. From using bitter neem sticks to using various types of toothbrushes including:

• manual
• power driven
• sonic
• ultrasonic
• solar powered
• ionic
• disposable
• laser toothbrushes
• oscillating toothbrushes
• material infused toothbrushes (with charcoal and neem)

2. Usage of oral irrigators
3. Powered flossing devices

4. Mouthwashes

• xylitol
• delmophenol hydrochloride

5. Dentifrices

• Nanotechnology dentifrices
• Coconut based pastes
• Regenerate toothpaste by Unilever.

The evolution of periodontics from the dark ages till now has been phenomenal. This dynamic field demands advancements and modifications. This is only possible with wide-scale research.

What is that one thing about periodontics that you would like to change? Can you think of one new idea that would change periodontics? Share your thoughts.

THEN—

NOW—

[nainasharda5]

Very nicely explained very informative

[AmiyaSrivastava]

It’s fascinating to see how periodontics has evolved from traditional herbal practices to cutting-edge diagnostics and nanotechnology. One change I’d love to see is more emphasis on real-time, chairside diagnostics—imagine a compact device that instantly maps periodontal health using biomarkers from saliva. That could truly redefine early detection and personalized treatment. What an exciting direction this field is heading toward!

[Dr.AmulyaThota_16]

Thank you Naina . I am glad you found this helpful.

[Dr.AmulyaThota_16]

Absolutely right, Amiya. It’s indeed fascinating to see the evolution of periodontics. But chairside diagnostics through salivary biomarkers is the next big thing, provided research and development is carried out in that field… It’s manually impossible to separate the bacterial, inflammatory, and a bunch of other markers in saliva to detect the exact problem. Maybe using AI as an aid could be helpful. Not sure, but definitely a fascinating area of research.

[AmiyaSrivastava]

Fascinating evolution of periodontics! One change I’d love to see is more focus on early, non-invasive diagnostics using AI and biochip technology to detect gum diseases before clinical symptoms appear.