LyreJet™ Glossary
This glossary brings together the key terms used throughout the LyreJet™ website to help readers better understand oral health, interdental cleaning and LyreJet™ technology.
To LyreJet
(verb) Brand-derived neologism
Definition
To LyreJet means to use the LyreJet™ device to perform a complete biomechanical cleaning of all thirty interdental spaces. By extension, "to LyreJet" also refers to the daily interdental cleaning routine carried out with LyreJet™ as part of comprehensive oral hygiene.
Periodontal Diseases
Definition
Periodontal diseases are chronic inflammatory conditions affecting the periodontium, the tissues that support the teeth. These tissues include the gums, the gingival sulcus, the cementum, the periodontal ligament and the alveolar bone.
Causes
Periodontal diseases are primarily caused by bacteria that accumulate on the teeth and gums as dental biofilm..
Two main stages are generally distinguished. Gingivitis is a reversible inflammation confined to the gums and usually resolves with effective oral hygiene. If inflammation progresses deeper beneath the gum line, it may develop into periodontitis, characterised by the progressive destruction of the tooth-supporting tissues. At this stage, the damage becomes irreversible and may ultimately lead to tooth loss.
Symptoms
Common signs include bleeding during brushing, red or swollen gums, gum recession, persistent bad breath and, in more advanced cases, tooth mobility. As the disease progresses, destruction of the supporting bone results in the formation of periodontal pockets, which require professional periodontal treatment.
Periodontal diseases develop as a result of an inflammatory response triggered by bacteria present within dental plaque.
Diagnosis is based on a clinical examination performed by an oral healthcare professional. This includes measuring the depth of periodontal pockets and, when necessary, using dental radiographs to assess bone loss.
Periodontal diseases encompass a wide range of clinical forms, from slowly progressing chronic conditions to more aggressive types requiring specialised care.
How to Prevent Periodontal Diseases
Preventing periodontal diseases requires consistent oral hygiene, with particular attention to daily interdental cleaning.
- Brush your teeth and gums thoroughly, then LyreJet all thirty interdental spaces once a day. This daily routine helps strengthen the gums and maintain the integrity of the periodontium.
- Visit your dental professional regularly for preventive examinations and maintenance.
Dental Caries
Definition
Dental caries is an infectious disease that progressively destroys the hard tissues of the tooth through the action of bacteria present in dental plaque. As these bacteria convert dietary sugars into acids, they gradually demineralise the enamel before attacking the underlying dentine and cementum. Untreated, caries progresses through the tooth, eventually causing pain, infection (dental abscess) and, in advanced cases, tooth loss.
Stages of Progression
- Enamel: Early, usually painless demineralisation.
- Dentine: Sensitivity to hot, cold and sweet foods.
- Dental pulp: Severe pain (pulpitis), followed by pulp necrosis.
- Infection / Abscess: Infection spreads beyond the tooth, potentially affecting the supporting tissues (periodontium) and leading to an abscess or tooth extraction.
How Can Dental Caries Be Prevented?
Preventing dental caries requires consistent oral hygiene, with particular attention to daily interdental cleaning.
- Brush your teeth and gums thoroughly, then LyreJet all thirty interdental spaces once a day. This daily routine helps strengthen the gums and maintain the integrity of the periodontium.
- Visit your dental professional regularly for preventive examinations and maintenance.
Focal Oral Infection
Definition
A focal oral infection is a chronic infection located within the oral cavity, often developing without obvious symptoms. It may originate from untreated dental caries, a dental abscess or periodontal disease (periodontitis). The periodontium comprises the tissues that support the teeth, including the gums, periodontal ligament, cementum and alveolar bone.
These chronic oral infections may release bacteria and bacterial toxins into the bloodstream, potentially reaching distant organs and contributing to or aggravating a variety of systemic diseases.
⚠️ Possible Consequences
An untreated oral infection may have consequences beyond the mouth, including:
- Heart: infective endocarditis and other cardiac complications
- Diabetes: more difficult blood glucose control
- Joints: inflammatory or infectious joint disorders
- Pregnancy: increased risk of premature birth or low birth weight
- Other organs: possible kidney, skin, eye and neurological complications
Common Sources of Infection
The most common sources of focal oral infection include: :
- infections around the tooth root (granulomas or cysts)
- periodontal disease (chronic periodontitis)
- impacted or infected teeth
- advanced untreated dental caries
Treatment
Treatment consists of eliminating the source of infection within the mouth. Depending on the cause, this may involve restorative dental treatment, periodontal therapy or, when necessary, extraction of the affected tooth..
Key Points
- A dental infection may exist without causing pain.
- Untreated oral infections may have significant consequences for overall health.
How Can Focal Oral Infections Be Prevented?
Preventing focal oral infections requires consistent oral hygiene, with particular attention to daily interdental cleaning.
- Brush your teeth and gums thoroughly, then LyreJet all thirty interdental spaces once a day. This daily routine helps strengthen the gums and maintain the integrity of the periodontium.
- Visit your dental professional regularly for preventive examinations and maintenance.