Periodontitis, commonly known as gum disease, is an often underestimated condition.
Perhaps you have heard of it too: Periodontitis (gum disease) is on everyone's lips - quite literally. But what are the most common causes, what can be done about it, and above all - what effects does this disease have? Many questions that Dr. Roberto Lhotka answers here, in easy-to-understand language, so that non-medical professionals can also understand how periodontitis develops and how it can be prevented and treated.
What exactly is periodontitis?
Strictly speaking, "Parodontose" (the colloquial German term) does not actually exist - the medically correct term is periodontitis! However, both refer to the same thing: an inflammation of the gums, or more precisely, the periodontium (the supporting structures of the teeth). This inflammation quickly becomes permanent, meaning it persists and progressively worsens over time.
Periodontitis - the silent widespread disease
This constantly progressing inflammation is widespread: Periodontitis is by far the most common disease in Austria. From the age of 35, 52% of people are already affected by periodontitis. The higher the age, the higher the number of those affected - retired individuals almost always suffer from it (90%). However, the disease can also occur in younger patients - often undetected, it spreads further and further over the years. This frequently leads to extensive symptoms. In young people, the disease can also progress rapidly.
How does periodontitis develop and what is the course of the disease?
Periodontitis develops - put simply - through the combination of dental plaque and bacteria. On our teeth there is so-called "dental plaque". This is a layer of bacteria. If this plaque is not removed through thorough and regular brushing, the bacteria multiply more and more. After just 3 to 4 weeks, this can lead to swollen gums, bleeding gums, inflammation, and the formation of small loose areas in the gums, known as "periodontal pockets". The bacteria then creep into these pockets, causing inflammation, and the gums thicken, redden, and bleed. This gum inflammation is medically referred to as "gingivitis". If action is not taken at this point, the path is paved for advanced periodontitis, initially with gum loss and later bone loss. While it is possible in exceptional cases for periodontitis to heal on its own, the bacterial infection usually worsens, the disease progresses further, and the symptoms become increasingly severe. Ultimately, this leads to the deterioration of the jawbone and tooth loss.
What triggers periodontitis?
Periodontitis often develops due to inadequate, imprecise, incorrect, or insufficient oral hygiene - in other words: from inaccurate, incorrect, or irregular tooth brushing. Further causes include smoking, stress, poor nutrition, and diabetes mellitus. A weakened immune system also increases the likelihood of developing the disease.
Periodontitis always develops from a gum inflammation, which is why you should pay close attention even to minor gum problems and always consult your dentist.
Periodontitis always develops from a gum inflammation, which is why you should pay close attention even to minor gum problems and always consult your dentist.
What happens if periodontitis is left untreated?
If periodontitis is left untreated, the slowly progressing inflammation increasingly breaks down the gums first. This process can then easily spread to the bone, causing the bone to dissolve. Subsequently, the teeth can become loose and ultimately one or more teeth may be lost.
In the beginning, the disease is very inconspicuous and, above all, painless. It is therefore often detected late - or even too late. It can also happen that the disease is only detected at an advanced stage, which has far-reaching negative effects on dental health. But that is not all: additionally, severe untreated periodontitis also has a significant impact on overall health.
In the beginning, the disease is very inconspicuous and, above all, painless. It is therefore often detected late - or even too late. It can also happen that the disease is only detected at an advanced stage, which has far-reaching negative effects on dental health. But that is not all: additionally, severe untreated periodontitis also has a significant impact on overall health.
How to recognise periodontitis - the 5 most important signs
Periodontitis symptom #1: Bleeding gums
The first sign is always bleeding gums. Initially, the gums bleed only slightly and irregularly, but the symptom quickly worsens and constant bleeding follows.
Many patients tell me they do not use dental floss because it always causes bleeding. This is a complete misconception. The bacteria sitting on the tooth surface cause the inflammation and thus the bleeding, not the dental floss! If there is bleeding, it is a sign that floss needs to be used even more thoroughly in that area.
Many patients tell me they do not use dental floss because it always causes bleeding. This is a complete misconception. The bacteria sitting on the tooth surface cause the inflammation and thus the bleeding, not the dental floss! If there is bleeding, it is a sign that floss needs to be used even more thoroughly in that area.
Periodontitis symptom #2: Inflammation
After the gum bleeding has begun, inflammation follows, usually in the spaces between teeth, although it can also occur elsewhere in the oral cavity. If chronic gum inflammation persists, you must have periodontitis treatment carried out at the latest.
Periodontitis symptom #3: Exposed tooth necks
So-called periodontal pockets begin to form. They are noticeable because the gums become loose around the tooth neck. The gums are often reddened during this phase and begin to recede. Gaps form between the teeth, exposing the tooth necks. The teeth appear visually longer and become sensitive. Subsequently, the jawbone is broken down. The teeth begin to wobble and, in the worst case, tooth loss occurs.
Periodontitis symptom #4: Bad breath
Due to the inflammation and the pus that forms in the periodontal pockets, more and more bacteria grow, leading to bad breath. Combined with the other symptoms, patients often feel very uncomfortable, withdraw, and reduce their social contacts.
Periodontitis symptom #5: Loose teeth
If loose teeth are added to the other symptoms, it is high time to act - the periodontitis is already far advanced and must be treated by a specialist immediately.
What effects does periodontitis have on our health?
Periodontitis affects the entire body, as it has a significant influence on the overall organism. The bacteria that cause periodontitis can travel from the mouth into the bloodstream and spread throughout the entire body. This is why it is a significant risk factor for heart attack, arteriosclerosis, respiratory diseases, and diabetes mellitus. Yet another reason to attend regular dental check-ups and thus prevent periodontitis!
How can periodontitis be cured?
First, the not-so-good news: Periodontitis - if left untreated - is a progressive destructive process, and what has been destroyed cannot be healed. This sounds dramatic, and it is. Lost tissue cannot be brought back; gums and jawbone unfortunately do not grow back. The lost bone cannot be restored - but there is still help available.
However, the progression can certainly be stopped and inflammatory processes can be contained and healed. This requires close cooperation between the dentist, dental hygienists, and the patient. The key to success lies in consistent teamwork between experts and patient.
Now the good news: Although periodontitis is not curable, it can be stopped, even through just a few simple measures. Early detection followed by thorough oral hygiene is naturally crucial, but so is the right care - which is why I developed the Dr. Lhotka Vienna Organics organic dental oil. Through a special blend of essential oils with antibacterial and antiviral properties, I have achieved considerable success with periodontitis patients for many years.
However, the progression can certainly be stopped and inflammatory processes can be contained and healed. This requires close cooperation between the dentist, dental hygienists, and the patient. The key to success lies in consistent teamwork between experts and patient.
Now the good news: Although periodontitis is not curable, it can be stopped, even through just a few simple measures. Early detection followed by thorough oral hygiene is naturally crucial, but so is the right care - which is why I developed the Dr. Lhotka Vienna Organics organic dental oil. Through a special blend of essential oils with antibacterial and antiviral properties, I have achieved considerable success with periodontitis patients for many years.
Additionally, there are measures such as the Pinhole technique, to restore the gums in a minimally invasive and aesthetically pleasing manner.
Therapy and home care measures
The therapy itself consists of a thorough and complete removal of all deposits and, above all, all tartar. This procedure must be carried out by medically trained personnel. A professional dental cleaning is therefore necessary. Brushing alone is not sufficient, as some of the deposits and build-up, known as subgingival calculus, are located below the gum line and cannot be reached with a regular toothbrush. These deposits can only be removed by an expert - a dentist or dental hygienist - using specialised instruments. Afterwards, it is essential to optimise daily dental care at home and, above all, to carry it out thoroughly and regularly in order to maintain consistently healthy gums.
Also read my article on the topic "Proper tooth brushing".