General Information About Periodontal Diseases
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is the gradual damage and erosion of the supporting tissues (gums, periodontal ligaments, and jawbone) that hold the teeth in place, resulting from a bacterial infection.
Gingivitis involves only the redness and bleeding of the gums; there is no bone loss, and it is completely reversible. Periodontitis is the advanced stage of the disease where it begins to erode the jawbone, causes tooth mobility, and leaves irreversible damage.
The main cause is the bacterial plaque that accumulates on the teeth due to inadequate oral hygiene, which hardens into dental calculus (tartar) over time. Smoking, diabetes, and hormonal changes accelerate the disease.
Bleeding during brushing or flossing, redness and swelling in the gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession, and gaps forming between or loosening of the teeth.
A dentist uses an instrument called a 'periodontal probe' to measure the depth of the pocket between the tooth and the gum. Pockets deeper than 3 mm and bone loss seen on an X-ray confirm the disease.
The fundamental treatment is professional scaling (tartar removal) and root planing (curettage). In advanced cases, the gums are surgically lifted to clean the underlying inflammation, and bone powder (graft) may be applied.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
