parodontala

Parodontala refers to the periodontium, the group of tissues that surround and support the teeth. The periodontum includes the gingiva (gums), the periodontal ligament, cementum, and the supporting alveolar bone.

The gingiva covers the tooth and surrounding bone. It is divided into the free or marginal gingiva and the attached gingiva, with a shallow gingival sulcus at the tooth margin. The periodontal ligament is a network of fibrous connective tissue that anchors the tooth to the alveolar bone, absorbs masticatory forces, and contains sensory receptors. Cementum is a mineralized tissue that covers the root and provides the attachment for the periodontal ligament. Alveolar bone forms the tooth sockets and can remodel in response to forces and disease.

Developmentally, the periodontum arises from the dental follicle during tooth formation and adapts through eruption, function, and aging. It receives vascular supply and innervation that support tissue health and responses to injury.

Clinical relevance is based on the assessment of periodontal health using measurements such as probing depth, clinical attachment level, bleeding on probing, plaque, and recession. Common conditions include gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums that is reversible with proper hygiene, and periodontitis, a destructive disease characterized by attachment loss and bone loss that can threaten tooth stability if untreated.

Management typically involves professional cleaning (scaling and root planing), optimization of oral hygiene, and, in some cases, surgical or regenerative procedures to restore supporting tissue. Prevention focuses on regular dental care, effective plaque control, avoidance of tobacco, and management of systemic risk factors such as diabetes. Early detection and consistent maintenance improve outcomes.