What is periodontitis?

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease of the tooth-supporting apparatus. It is often called 'periodontosis' in everyday speech – which is incorrect, since that older term described loss of tissue without inflammation.

How it develops

The cause is bacteria that gather between tooth and gum. If these deposits are not removed regularly, they harden into calculus and the inflammation reaches deeper.

If further strains are added – stress, smoking, a general illness – the reaction can turn acute: the gums are reddened, swollen and bleed easily.

The cycle that makes it dangerous

Because the inflammation makes brushing painful, that very area is brushed less. More bacteria gather, they travel deeper along the tooth, and the destruction advances. Breaking this cycle is the real aim of treatment.