Periodontal disease (also known as periodontitis) is a condition that affects the supporting tissues of the teeth. These tissues, called the periodontium, include the gums, jawbone, ligaments, and root cementum. Together, they play a crucial role in keeping the teeth firmly in place.
Alongside tooth decay, periodontitis is one of the most common oral diseases and a leading cause of tooth loss.
How Does Periodontal Disease Develop?
The Role of Dental Plaque
The main cause of periodontitis is dental plaque – a soft, sticky film that forms on teeth and consists of food debris and bacteria.
The bacteria in plaque irritate the gums, causing inflammation known as gingivitis.
Over time, plaque hardens and turns into tartar (calculus). This solid deposit not only harbors bacteria but also exerts mechanical pressure on the gums, pulling them away from the tooth roots.
From Gingivitis to Tooth Loss
This is the initial stage of the disease, which, if left untreated, progresses into periodontitis. The inflammation spreads to the bone, causing it to deteriorate and weaken the tooth’s support.
Periodontal pockets form, the teeth lose stability, and eventually begin to loosen.
In the final stage of the disease, teeth may fall out spontaneously, even though they are completely healthy in terms of cavities.
Risk Factors
In addition to dental plaque, several factors increase the risk of developing periodontitis:
-
poor oral hygiene
-
unhealthy diet
-
genetic predisposition
-
misaligned teeth
-
smoking
-
diabetes
What to Watch Out For
Periodontal disease has several warning signs that indicate it’s time to visit your dentist.
The Most Common Symptoms
-
bleeding gums – the first sign of inflammation
-
redness and swelling of the gums
-
feeling of tightness or foreign body between teeth
-
gum recession and elongated appearance of teeth
Bleeding gums should never be ignored. It’s essential to act as soon as the first symptoms appear, before the full clinical picture of periodontitis develops.
How Is Periodontal Disease Treated?
Once periodontitis develops, there is no permanent cure. It is a progressive condition, and the main goal of treatment is to stop its progression and preserve the teeth.
Prevention Is the Key
Regular oral hygiene and professional dental cleanings are the best way to prevent the disease.
One of the most common mistakes patients make is avoiding brushing because their gums bleed or fearing that tartar removal damages the teeth.
-
Teeth should be brushed even more thoroughly if the gums are bleeding – this means bacteria are present.
-
Tartar removal does not damage the teeth; in fact, the real harm comes from tartar that remains untreated.
Treatment Procedures
If periodontitis has already developed, its progression can be controlled through scaling and root planing or surgical procedures.
-
Scaling and root planing – a deep-cleaning procedure that removes plaque and bacteria from periodontal pockets that patients cannot reach on their own.
-
Flap surgery – a surgical method performed under local anesthesia, where the gums are gently lifted to clean the area beneath, then the bone defects are filled with artificial bone and the gums are repositioned.
After Tooth Loss
For patients who have already lost teeth due to periodontitis, prosthetic restoration is recommended, along with improved hygiene and regular maintenance therapy.
This helps extend the lifespan of the remaining teeth and preserve oral function.
