Disease
Severe Inflammation
Disease
What often begins with a seemingly harmless gum inflammation (bleeding of the gums when brushing teeth) can, if left untreated, lead to defects of the periodontium and ultimately result in tooth loss. Periodontitis (inflammation of the periodontium with formation of periodontal pockets and bone loss) is a widespread disease of the gums and jawbone that can lead to tooth loosening. About three out of four people suffer from it during their lifetime.
Cause
Diseases of the periodontium (periodontal diseases) are triggered by bacteria that deposit and multiply between teeth and gums (plaque). Plaque formation is promoted by a variety of causes that may not appear connected at first glance. These include, for example:
- inadequate oral hygiene,
- unfavourable dietary habits,
- chronic stress
- smoking
- overweight
- advanced age
Consequences of periodontitis
Studies show that periodontitis, in addition to gum recession, can also lead to various other consequences such as:
- tooth loss
- heart disease
- vascular calcification
- stroke
- diabetes
- pneumonia
- premature births
Das Wichtigste auf einen Blick
- Eine unbehandelte Zahnfleischentzündung kann sich zu einer Parodontitis mit Zahnfleischtaschen und Knochenabbau entwickeln.
- Als begünstigende Faktoren gelten u.a. unzureichende Mundhygiene, ungünstige Ernährung, Stress, Rauchen, Übergewicht und höheres Lebensalter.
- Studien beschreiben einen Zusammenhang zwischen Parodontitis und weiteren gesundheitlichen Themen wie Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankungen oder Diabetes.
- Konsequente Behandlung und Vorsorge sollen einem Zahnverlust vorbeugen.