Hello 😃 I’m Bororu, a dental assistant. 2024 has begun. I would like to make this year even better!
Periodontal disease is not a disease of the teeth but rather a disease of the tissues surrounding the teeth, such as the gingiva (gums) and alveolar bone (jaw bone). Periodontal disease is an infectious disease caused by bacteria. It will not heal independently and will progress if not treated.
It is said that there are billions of bacteria of hundreds of types in the mouth. Approximately 20 types of periodontal pathogens have been identified, including Treponema (spirochete). These bacteria use dental plaque as a perfect home and multiply rapidly.
Periodontal disease begins with gingivitis, which is inflammation of the gums. When the gums become inflamed and swollen, the groove between the teeth and the gums (gingival sulcus) becomes deeper. This is called a periodontal pocket. Plaque quickly accumulates in periodontal pockets and is difficult to remove. Additionally, since oxygen is difficult to reach deep into periodontal pockets, periodontal disease bacteria (anaerobic bacteria) that dislike oxygen are more likely to breed.
If gingivitis is left untreated, the inflammation will spread to the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone, reaching a periodontitis stage. As the disease progresses, the inflammation causes the alveolar bone to dissolve. Eventually, the tooth loses its support and falls out.
Furthermore, it is known that periodontal disease causes loss of teeth and periodontal tissues and is closely related to various systemic diseases.
Thank you!
