A LITTLE BIT
ABOUT
PERIODONTITIS
What is periodontitis and how can it lead to tooth loss?
Periodontitis (or periodontal disease) is a bacterial infection of the specialised tissues, ligaments and bones that surround and support your teeth, collectively known as the periodontium. It is one of the second and most severe stage of gum disease. Once you have it periodontitis is irreversible and may lead to the permanent loss of teeth. It requires medical or dental treatment.
What causes periodontitis?
Periodontitis can occur when gingivitis is left untreated. It is caused by plaque bacteria build-up above and below the gum line (the area where the gum meets the tooth). This can lead to the bone and tissues that support your teeth becoming irreversibly damaged. This tissue damage may lead to your gums separating from your teeth, creating tiny spaces or ‘pockets’ where more plaque can grow and infections occur. As the condition continues to worsen the bone starts to erode. If left untreated, this can eventually result in loose teeth that either fall out or must be removed by a dentist.
Don’t ignore the warning signs!!
Periodontitis is the advanced stage of gum disease. Unlike gingivitis, it cannot be reversed and often has serious, long lasting consequences for how your teeth and gums look and feel. For this reason, it is extremely important that you do not let things get this far. Spitting blood when you brush or floss your teeth, bad breath, and red or swollen gums are all early warning signs of gum disease, so do not ignore them. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should talk to your dentist or hygienist immediately. They can advise on the best course of treatment before the problem becomes too serious.
TREATMENT OF PERIODONTITIS
Learning how to clean your mouth properly
Gum disease is caused by bacteria. The first step is learning how to remove them every day.
We will show you the best way to brush your teeth and how to clean between them using interdental brushes or floss. Mouthwash may also help.
Your daily cleaning at home is essential for the treatment to work.
Professional deep cleaning
We remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and below the gum line. Your teeth are then polished.
If the disease is advanced, this may need several visits.
Antibiotics (only sometimes)
If the infection is strong or doesn’t improve enough, antibiotics may be prescribed.
Re-check of your gums
After about 6–8 weeks, we measure your gums again to see how they are healing.
If deep pockets are still present, we may suggest further treatment.
Gum surgery (for severe cases)
When pockets are too deep to clean properly, a small surgery may be needed.
The gum is gently lifted, the roots are cleaned, and sometimes the bone is reshaped.
In some cases, special materials are used to help rebuild lost bone.
Stitches are placed and removed after 1–2 weeks.
Maintenance (very important)
Gum disease can return. To keep your gums healthy:
✔ Clean your teeth well every day
✔ Visit us regularly (usually every 3–6 months)
These maintenance visits are key to keeping your teeth for life.