Periodontitis
Periodontitis
Periodontitis (pronunciation: /ˌpɛrioʊdɒnˈtaɪtɪs/) is a serious gum disease that damages the soft tissue and destroys the bone that supports your teeth.
Etymology
The term "Periodontitis" is derived from Greek words "peri," meaning around, "odont," meaning tooth, and "-itis," meaning inflammation. Thus, it refers to the inflammation around the tooth.
Symptoms
Periodontitis can cause teeth to loosen or lead to tooth loss. It is common but largely preventable. It's usually the result of poor oral hygiene. Brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily and getting regular dental checkups can greatly improve your chances of successful treatment for periodontitis and can also reduce your chance of developing it.
Causes
Periodontitis is caused by certain bacteria that attach to the tooth's surface and multiply. Over time, these bacteria build up on the teeth, leading to dental plaque. This plaque then hardens under the gum line into tartar (or calculus) which can lead to gingivitis or inflammation of the gum tissue around the teeth. If not treated, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis.
Treatment
Treatment aims to thoroughly clean the pockets around teeth and prevent damage to surrounding bone. Professional cleaning can include scaling and root planing. In some cases, surgery may be required.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Periodontitis
- Wikipedia's article - Periodontitis
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