Periodontitis
Written by Dentist Rune Skou, 2008-20-12Last update: 2010-01-01
Periodontitis is a serious illness which often affects all the teeth and can lead to tooth loss if left unchecked.
How it works:
Periodontitis is caused by the immune system removing the bone to which teeth are rooted.
When bacteria are allowed to remain on teeth and in the gingival crevices around them, they agitate the immune system into causing gingivitis. If this becomes chronic, it can develop into periodontitis.
The immune system tries to eradicate periodontitis by removing the bone around infected teeth. As it does this, the gingival crevices become deeper and the teeth lose support and become looser. Once the gingival crevices become uncleanable, periodontitis continues until the affected teeth fall out.
The distinction between gingivitis and Periodontitis is made by measuring the depth of the gingival crevices: if they are over 3mm deep, periodontitis is present.
The body’s defence mechanisms:
The body can only combat periodontitis by using saliva to kill off bacteria before they cause a serious infection.
Risk factors:
- Smoking
- Poor dental hygiene
- Genetic predisposition to periodontitis
- Diabetes
- Immune system defects
Prevention:
- Using correct brushing techniques twice a day
- Cleaning between the teeth
- Quitting smoking
What will your dentist/dental hygienist do?
Once diagnosed with periodontitis, you will be told how to improve your general dental hygiene and will then have your teeth and root surfaces scaled and smoothed.
You will also have the depths of your gingival crevices measured and be advised to quit smoking if you are currently a smoker.
In many cases, surgical periodontitis treatment may be necessary for effective treatment.