Periodontitis - an underestimated widespread disease
Periodontitis (formerly known as periodontal disease) is a chronic inflammation of the periodontium which, if left untreated, usually leads to tooth loss. It is one of the most common diseases in the oral cavity and, according to studies, affects around 40% of adults - usually without those affected realising it. Most of those affected fall ill around the age of 35. If left untreated, periodontitis leads to tooth loss.
The main cause of periodontitis is bacterial plaque and tartar, which form when oral hygiene is inadequate. The bacteria they contain initially trigger a superficial inflammation at the gum line (gingivitis). If this remains untreated, the inflammation can spread to the deeper tissue, resulting in a periodontal pocket - and thus periodontitis.
Causes and risk factors of periodontitis
- Poor oral hygiene
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Stress
- Genetic predisposition
- Hormonal changes (e.g. pregnancy)
- Unhealthy diet
Symptoms
Periodontitis usually develops gradually and remains painless for a very long time. Typical signs are
- Bleeding gums when brushing teeth
- Redness and swelling of the gums
- Bad breath
- Gum recession (teeth appear »longer», dark interdental spaces)
- Increased tooth mobility
- Sensitive tooth necks
Consequences
Without treatment, periodontitis leads to tooth loss. With tooth loss comes a loss of quality of life. Eating, speaking, singing and laughing become much more difficult for those affected, and periodontitis also has a negative effect on your appearance, as the gums recede further and further and the position of the teeth shifts.
According to studies, patients suffering from periodontitis have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and premature births.
Therapy
The aim of the therapy is to drastically minimise the number of bacteria on the tooth surfaces so that the inflammation in the tissue infected by bacteria recedes and the periodontitis can heal. This is achieved by
- Professional teeth cleaning, ideally by a specialist periodontist, by removing plaque and tartar from the gum pockets and gum line
- Possible administration of antibiotics after professional tooth cleaning
- Optimum oral hygiene at home so that bacterial plaque can no longer accumulate
- A follow-up 2-3 months after the start of therapy
- Surgical therapy in severe cases
- Professional long-term care
Possible side effects after periodontitis treatment
Possible side effects of gum treatment include the development of open interdental spaces, exposed tooth necks (gingival recessions) and the temporary sensitivity of individual teeth.
Prevention
- Good oral hygiene, including cleaning the spaces between the teeth with interdental brushes or dental floss, as well as cleaning the tongue with a tongue scraper
- Stop smoking
- Healthy nutrition
- Regular check-ups at the dentist with teeth cleaning, at least once a year
