Periodontitis - What is it?

Periodontitis is the most common gum disease. It has replaced caries as the most frequent cause of tooth loss among people over 40. This chronic inflammation of the periodontium is caused by bacteria living in the form of dental plaque.

Bacteria settle on the root surfaces before they migrate to the root tips. Our body defends itself by an immune reaction which not only kills the intruders, but also disintegrates the periodontium. The tooth loosens until it finally falls out. Fortunately, this development can be detected and prevented by a prompt periodontal treatment.

Updated 23 April 2008 by KU64, Dentist in Berlin for Gum diseases/Parodontology