Periodontitis Aetiology

Periodontitis is an infection of tissues that support the teeth in the mouth. If untreated, periodontitis causes progressive bone loss around teeth, looseness and eventual tooth loss. Periodontitis is a very common disease affecting approximately 50% of U.S. adults over the age of 30 years. Periodontitis is thought to occur in people who have preexisting gingivitis - an infection that is limited to the soft tissues surrounding the tooth and does not cause bone loss. The cause of gingivitis is the accumulation of bacteria at the gum line which is called dental plaque. In some people, gingivitis progresses to periodontitis - the gum tissues separate from the tooth and form a periodontal pocket. Bacteria under the gum line in periodontal pockets cause further inflammation in the gum tissues and bone loss.

If left undisturbed, bacterial plaque calcifies to form dental calculus. Dental calculus above and below the gum line must be removed completely by the dental hygienist or dentist to treat gingivitis and periodontitis. Although the primary causes of gingivitis and periodontitis are the bacteria that adhere to the tooth surface, there are many other modifying factors. One of the strongest of these is tobacco use. Another very strong factor is one's inherited or genetic susceptibilty. Several diseases including diabetes, Down syndrome and diseases that affect one's resistance to infection also increase susceptibility to periodontitis.