Periodontology is a specialty of dentistry that deals with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases that affect periodontal disease – a complex of tissues that includes the gums, bone tissue and periodontal ligament. They are responsible for the stability of the teeth.
Periodontal disease occurs due to the accumulation of bacteria in the oral cavity. Soft and hard dental deposits in the gingival sulcus or on the surface of the roots of the teeth cause chronic inflammation, which destroys the tissues supporting the teeth.
Periodontal disease is divided into two main groups: gingivitis and periodontitis.
Any person with poor oral hygiene can develop gingivitis – gum inflammation and bleeding. Factors such as pregnancy, puberty, crowding of teeth or the use of low-quality prostheses can contribute to this pathology.
If gum inflammation and bleeding is not diagnosed and treated at an early stage, then a more serious and complex problem arises – periodontitis.
Amongst the consequences can the irreversible loss of bone tissue, teeth mobility. Smoking and diabetes significantly increase the risk of developing this disease.
Periodontitis affects most of the world’s population and is almost the main cause of tooth loss in adult patients.