Periodontitis is an inflammatory, destructive disease which involves the supporting apparatus of the tooth with the adjacent gingival mucosa. It is caused by chronic bacterial infection and is a consequence of untreated gingivitis. In its various forms, it is one of the most common dental diseases.
Typical clinical symptoms of the disease are redness, swelling and bleeding of the gums, with possible pain and formation of pockets of vertical or horizontal type. What distinguishes periodontitis from gingivitis is the presence of bone destruction (bone loss). That is why sometimes, especially in the more advanced stages, periodontitis is accompanied by exposure of the roots of the teeth, tooth mobility and even tooth loss.
The treatment approach, the methods of maintaining good oral hygiene and the drug therapy are aimed at stopping the progression of the disease. Early detection of initial symptoms and timely initiation of treatment are key factors in the development of the disease.