Periodontitis is the name given to inflammatory diseases that affect the tissues that surround and support the teeth. There is progressive bone and attachment loss resulting in the tooth becoming mobile. This can result in tooth loss if left untreated.

There are four structures involved –the gingivae (gum tissue), the cementum (root surface layer), the alveolar bone (tooth socket) and periodontal ligament (fibres connecting the gingivae and cementum to alveolar bone.)

Periodontitis affects about 50% of the population over 30. It usually commences with gingivitis which is initiated by bacteria in retained dental plaque. In some people this progresses to periodontitis, which is the progressive loss of tooth socket attachment. There are a number of modifying factors, the strongest of which are smoking tobacco and genetic factors. Several diseases that affect resistance to infection such as diabetes also increase risk of periodontitis. Others are pregnancy, stress, medications, poor nutrition, and bruxism or grinding of teeth.

Periodontitis is painless. Symptoms are bleeding gums, occasional swelling, bad breath, deep pockets around teeth due to loss of attachment, and tooth mobility.

Periodontitis is classified in its mildest form as gingivitis, and in its more severe forms as aggressive, chronic, systemic, and necrotising. If you are diagnosed with periodontitis it requires early treatment by a periodontist who specialises in treating this condition. Meticulous oral care, regular deep scaling by the periodontist can often halt its progress but sometimes surgical treatment is necessary involving pocket reduction, regenerative procedures, crown lengthening, soft tissue grafts.

Prevention of periodontitis commences with meticulous attention to daily oral care and maintaining optimal oral health with regular reviews by your dentist.

The daily use of Denta-Med gel at night will greatly assist in preventing periodontitis because of its plaque reducing and antibacterial effectiveness.

Today much is being written about periodontitis because it is being linked with very serious medical problems. Harmful bacteria can enter the blood stream causing inflammation of the blood vessels and blood clotting. This connection was first raised in 1998, but Dr Shanahan had observed the connection of oral health and disease much earlier in 1988 when working in aged care. Most residents had very poor oral health and despite intensive nursing and medical care, which did not include preventive oral care, things continued to get worse.