What is a Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a serious infection and inflammation of the gums and bone that supports the teeth.

In the early stages it is called gingivitis and it damages the soft tissue causing the gums to swell and bleed. And without treatment it develops into a periodontitis that could destroy the surrounding of the teeth leading to loosening of the tooth or even tooth loss.

What causes periodontitis?

Periodontitis is typically caused by poor dental hygiene which increases bacteria concentration around the teeth, forming a film called plaque eventually hardening to tartar that builds up and spreads below the gum line, making the teeth harder to clean. A professional intervention is then necessary to remove all the accumulated tartar and plaque to stop the progression of the bacteria

What are the symptoms of periodontitis?

• Bleeding of the gums when brushing
• Red swolen gums
• Bad breath
• Pain when chewing
• Receding gums
• Sensitive teeth
• Tooth mobility or even tooth loss

Prevention and treatment

Gingivitis can be controlled and treated with good oral hygiene and regular professional descaling. More advanced forms of periodontal disease can also be treated successfully but may require more extensive treatments. Such treatments might include deep cleaning of the tooth root surfaces below the gums, oral medications , and sometimes corrective surgery.

Dr CHRAIBI Saad