Periodontal disease - causes, symptoms & treatment of chronic periodontal disease

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammation of the periodontium with a risk of tooth loss. Early treatment and good oral hygiene can stop the progression - Lactoferrin can also help.

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Wissenswertes über "Periodontal disease"

Periodontal disease, correctly referred to as periodontitis, is a chronic inflammatory disease of the periodontium.

Periodontitis not only affects the dental flesh, but also the jaw bone, the root skin and the binding tissue that anchors the teeth in the jaw. The main cause is abacterial biofilm (plaque), which can be exacerbated by inadequate oral hygiene, genetic predisposition, smoking, diabetes or a weakened immune system. Unlike reversible gum inflammation (gingivitis), periodontitis is a not completely reversible disease that can lead to tooth loss in the long term if not treated. Typical symptoms include bleeding gums, redness, swelling, odour, tooth loosening and receding gums.In many cases, however, periodontal disease is asymptomatic for a long time and is only recognised late.

An early diagnosis by the dentist - e.g. by means of periodontal status, probing depth and x-rays - is crucial for successful treatment. If left untreated, periodontitis can not only lead to loosening and loss of teeth, but also increase the general health risk, for example for cardiovascular disease or diabetes.

Treatment consists of systematic tooth and pocket cleaning, accompanied by consistent oral hygiene at home, antibacterial rinses and, if necessary, antibiotic treatment. antibiotic concomitant therapy. In addition, integrative dentistry is increasingly investigating the use of natural substances such as lactoferrin, which can help to stabilise the oral flora and reduce periodontal inflammation thanks to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating properties. Long-term aftercare with regular professional tooth cleaning (PZR) is important.

Important features of periodontal disease (periodontitis):

Chronic inflammation of the periodontium
Cause: plaque, genetic factors, smoking, metabolic diseases
Symptoms: tooth gum bleeding, decay, tooth loosening, mouth odour
risk: tooth loss, systemic health problems
Therapy: cleaning, oral hygiene, if necessary. antibiotics and natural substances such as lactoferrin

Literature references

Tonetti, M. S. et al (2017). ""Periodontitis and systemic diseases - consensus report of the joint EFP/AAP workshop."" Journal of Clinical Periodontology.
Chapple, I. L. et al. (2015). ""Primary prevention of periodontitis."" Journal of Clinical Periodontology.
Ramseier, C. A. et al. (2020). ""The potential of natural host modulators in periodontitis therapy."" Periodontology 2000.