What is Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a bacterial disease of the peridontium. It includes the bone, the gum, the fibres around the tooth and the tooth root cement.
A weak point of this system is the so called periodontal pocket. It is usually found between the tooth and the gums. If the gums are already inflamed, which is the case in 90% of all people over the age of 30, it is possible for the responsible bacteria to gain access into this pocket. To avoid this, regular professional cleaning is of utmost importance.
If this early stage of peridontitis is not or not inadequately treated, the result will be loss of bone and subsequently loss of gum from around the tooth. In the long term, the teeth will become loose and in the end will be lost.
By the way, at present the main cause for tooth loss is peridontitis, far ahead of caries and loss due to accidents.