Dental knowledge: periodontology

Periodontology

One of the most common dental conditions in the population is periodontitis, often also – though not correctly – called periodontosis.

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease of the tooth-supporting structures caused by periodontal bacteria. It can occur at any age, at one tooth or several at once, progressing at different speeds and in different degrees of severity.

It is caused by bacteria that collect between tooth and gum. If these bacterial deposits (plaque) are not removed by thorough cleaning with a toothbrush and dental floss, they form a hard, knobbly deposit: calculus. Over time the gum reddens, swells and becomes prone to bleeding. Left untreated, the inflammation can destroy the fibres connecting the teeth to the jawbone and go on to cause bone loss. Without fibres and bone the teeth begin to loosen and may be lost.