Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease of the tissue surrounding the teeth, the so-called periodontium.

It can be triggered during everyday life, when food residues and bacteria are deposited on the teeth. If this so-called plaque is not removed, the oral mucosa can get inflamed, which is called gingivitis. When the disease progresses, the inflammatory processes can also affect the root of the tooth. This leads to a progressive destruction of the periodontal apparatus that an- chors the teeth to the jawbone (periodontitis). When untreated, this can develop into a severe periodontitis, affecting today 19 % of the world population according to the WHO (2023). Various factors such as smoking, stress or hormonal changes increase the risk of peri-implantitis. In addition, general diseases such as diabetes, immune diseases or osteoporosis are risk factors.

Often, these processes develop gradually over time in a chronic course, but some patients experience accelerated tissue loss, the so-called aggressive course. The disease course is determined on one hand by the kind of bacteria that trigger the inflammation in the gum pockets, and on the other hand by the body’s own defense mechanisms.

Painless & silent tooth loss

At the beginning, periodontitis is painless. Still, it is often recognizable by an increased tendency to bleed, swelling of the gums, as well as bad breath. However, as the jawbone begins to deteriorate, deep gum pockets can develop unnoticed. Within these, the teeth are anchored less strongly. This leads to tooth loosening and even tooth loss.

Possible impact on general health

Untreated periodontitis can have an impact on the patient‘s systemic health, e.g. diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. It can even favor premature births.