{"id":3526,"date":"2024-09-13T11:04:53","date_gmt":"2024-09-13T11:04:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/balcare.bg\/parodontit-lechenie-parodontoza\/"},"modified":"2026-08-15T14:40:27","modified_gmt":"2026-08-15T14:40:27","slug":"what-is-periodontitis-and-what-causes-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/balcare.bg\/en\/what-is-periodontitis-and-what-causes-it\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Periodontitis and What Causes It?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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What Is Periodontitis and What Causes It?<\/h2>\n

Periodontitis<\/strong> is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the tissues supporting the teeth, collectively known as the periodontium<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

These supporting structures include:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • the gums;<\/li>\n
  • the alveolar bone surrounding the teeth;<\/li>\n
  • the cementum covering the tooth roots;<\/li>\n
  • the periodontal ligament, which connects the teeth to the surrounding bone.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Periodontitis develops when the body\u2019s inflammatory response to bacterial biofilm leads to progressive destruction of these supporting tissues.<\/p>\n

    Without appropriate treatment, the condition may result in:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • periodontal pocket formation;<\/li>\n
    • gum recession;<\/li>\n
    • bone loss;<\/li>\n
    • tooth mobility;<\/li>\n
    • eventually, tooth loss.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      What Causes Periodontitis?<\/h2>\n

      The primary initiating factor is dental plaque<\/strong>, a bacterial biofilm that continuously forms on the teeth.<\/p>\n

      If plaque is not effectively removed, it can accumulate around and below the gum line.<\/p>\n

      Over time, plaque may mineralise into dental calculus (tartar)<\/strong>, which creates additional plaque-retentive surfaces and cannot be removed effectively with ordinary toothbrushing.<\/p>\n

      However, periodontitis is not caused by bacteria alone.<\/p>\n

      The development and severity of the disease are influenced by the interaction between:<\/p>\n

        \n
      • the oral microbiome;<\/li>\n
      • the patient\u2019s immune and inflammatory response;<\/li>\n
      • smoking;<\/li>\n
      • diabetes;<\/li>\n
      • genetic susceptibility;<\/li>\n
      • oral-hygiene habits;<\/li>\n
      • other individual risk factors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Symptoms of Periodontitis<\/h2>\n

        One of the earliest warning signs of gum inflammation is bleeding during brushing or interdental cleaning<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

        Regular gum bleeding should not be considered normal.<\/p>\n

        Other possible symptoms include:<\/p>\n

          \n
        • red or swollen gums<\/strong>;<\/li>\n
        • gum recession<\/strong>;<\/li>\n
        • teeth appearing longer;<\/li>\n
        • persistent bad breath;<\/li>\n
        • unpleasant taste;<\/li>\n
        • discomfort when chewing;<\/li>\n
        • periodontal pockets;<\/li>\n
        • tooth sensitivity;<\/li>\n
        • loose teeth<\/strong>;<\/li>\n
        • migration or changes in the position of the teeth<\/strong>;<\/li>\n
        • spaces developing between teeth.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          One of the challenges with periodontitis is that it may progress with relatively few symptoms, particularly during its earlier stages.<\/p>\n

          Some patients do not realise they have significant periodontal disease until substantial supporting tissue has already been lost.<\/p>\n

          This is why regular periodontal assessment is so important.<\/p>\n

          Is Periodontitis Only a Disease of Older Adults?<\/h2>\n

          No.<\/p>\n

          Periodontitis becomes more common with increasing age, but it should not be regarded simply as a disease of older people.<\/p>\n

          Periodontal disease can also affect:<\/p>\n

            \n
          • young adults;<\/li>\n
          • teenagers in selected cases;<\/li>\n
          • patients with particular genetic or systemic risk factors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            Some individuals may experience rapid progression of periodontal destruction at a relatively young age<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

            For this reason, persistent:<\/p>\n

              \n
            • gum bleeding;<\/li>\n
            • swelling;<\/li>\n
            • bone loss;<\/li>\n
            • tooth mobility;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              should always be investigated regardless of age.<\/p>\n

              How Can Periodontitis Be Prevented?<\/h2>\n

              Prevention focuses primarily on controlling dental plaque and reducing modifiable risk factors.<\/p>\n

              Brush Twice Daily<\/h2>\n

              Brush your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day<\/strong> with fluoride toothpaste.<\/p>\n

              Effective brushing helps prevent plaque from accumulating along the gum line.<\/p>\n

              Clean Between the Teeth Every Day<\/h2>\n

              A toothbrush cannot effectively clean all areas between neighbouring teeth.<\/p>\n

              Depending on the size of the interdental spaces, your dental professional may recommend:<\/p>\n

                \n
              • interdental brushes;<\/li>\n
              • dental floss;<\/li>\n
              • other interdental cleaning aids.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                For many patients with periodontal disease, interdental brushes are particularly useful.<\/p>\n

                Attend Professional Dental Cleaning Appointments<\/h2>\n

                Plaque that mineralises into tartar cannot be removed with a normal toothbrush.<\/p>\n

                Professional cleaning may involve:<\/p>\n

                  \n
                • ultrasonic scaling;<\/li>\n
                • hand instrumentation;<\/li>\n
                • removal of subgingival deposits;<\/li>\n
                • polishing when appropriate.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                  The required frequency depends on the individual patient\u2019s periodontal condition and risk.<\/p>\n

                  Stop Smoking<\/h2>\n

                  Smoking is one of the most important modifiable risk factors for periodontitis.<\/p>\n

                  It is associated with:<\/p>\n

                    \n
                  • more severe periodontal destruction;<\/li>\n
                  • greater bone loss;<\/li>\n
                  • poorer healing;<\/li>\n
                  • increased risk of tooth loss;<\/li>\n
                  • reduced response to periodontal treatment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                    Smoking can also suppress visible gum bleeding, meaning periodontal disease may appear less inflamed than it actually is.<\/p>\n

                    Maintain Good General Health<\/h2>\n

                    Certain systemic conditions, particularly poorly controlled diabetes<\/strong>, are associated with an increased risk and severity of periodontal disease.<\/p>\n

                    Good management of overall health therefore forms part of comprehensive periodontal care.<\/p>\n

                    Maintain a Balanced Diet<\/h2>\n

                    A balanced diet supports general and oral health.<\/p>\n

                    However, diet alone cannot prevent periodontitis if bacterial plaque is not effectively controlled.<\/p>\n

                    How Is Periodontitis Treated?<\/h2>\n

                    Treatment begins with a detailed periodontal assessment.<\/p>\n

                    The aim is to:<\/p>\n

                      \n
                    • control inflammation;<\/li>\n
                    • reduce bacterial biofilm;<\/li>\n
                    • remove calculus;<\/li>\n
                    • reduce periodontal pocket depth where possible;<\/li>\n
                    • prevent further attachment and bone loss;<\/li>\n
                    • preserve the natural teeth.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                      Initial Periodontal Therapy<\/h2>\n

                      The first phase of treatment is generally non-surgical periodontal therapy<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

                      This may include:<\/p>\n

                        \n
                      • professional plaque removal;<\/li>\n
                      • removal of supra- and subgingival calculus;<\/li>\n
                      • scaling and root surface instrumentation;<\/li>\n
                      • detailed oral-hygiene instruction;<\/li>\n
                      • management of individual risk factors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                        Ultrasonic instruments and hand instruments may both be used to thoroughly clean the tooth and root surfaces.<\/p>\n

                        Treatment may be completed over several appointments depending on the extent and severity of the disease.<\/p>\n

                        Why Mechanical Cleaning Is So Important<\/h2>\n

                        Periodontal bacteria are organised within a biofilm<\/strong> attached to the teeth and root surfaces.<\/p>\n

                        Medication alone cannot predictably remove this biofilm or calculus.<\/p>\n

                        This is why mechanical disruption and removal of bacterial deposits form the foundation of periodontal treatment.<\/p>\n

                        The Myth About Antibiotics<\/h2>\n

                        Some patients believe that periodontitis can be treated simply by taking antibiotics.<\/p>\n

                        This is incorrect.<\/p>\n

                        Systemic antibiotics are not a substitute for mechanical periodontal treatment.<\/strong><\/p>\n

                        Taking antibiotics without removing plaque, calculus, and the bacterial biofilm may produce only temporary changes in symptoms while leaving the primary local problem untreated.<\/p>\n

                        Unnecessary or repeated antibiotic use can also contribute to antimicrobial resistance<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

                        Antibiotics may be appropriate in selected periodontal situations, but only when there is a clear clinical indication and as an adjunct to appropriate periodontal treatment.<\/p>\n

                        They should not be used routinely or without professional supervision.<\/p>\n

                        Are Local Antibacterial Treatments Used?<\/h2>\n

                        In selected cases, local antimicrobial or antiseptic agents may be used as an adjunct to mechanical treatment.<\/p>\n

                        Their purpose may be to help reduce bacterial activity within specific periodontal sites.<\/p>\n

                        However, these products do not replace:<\/p>\n

                          \n
                        • professional instrumentation;<\/li>\n
                        • plaque control;<\/li>\n
                        • effective home care.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                          The decision to use them is made individually.<\/p>\n

                          Is Non-Surgical Treatment Enough?<\/h2>\n

                          For many patients, non-surgical periodontal therapy can produce substantial improvement.<\/p>\n

                          After the initial treatment phase, a periodontal re-evaluation<\/strong> is usually performed.<\/p>\n

                          The clinician reassesses:<\/p>\n

                            \n
                          • pocket depths;<\/li>\n
                          • bleeding;<\/li>\n
                          • plaque levels;<\/li>\n
                          • gum inflammation;<\/li>\n
                          • tooth mobility;<\/li>\n
                          • the patient\u2019s oral hygiene.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                            If deep periodontal pockets or specific defects remain, additional treatment may be required.<\/p>\n

                            This can include periodontal surgery or regenerative procedures<\/strong> in selected cases.<\/p>\n

                            An Individual Approach to Periodontal Care<\/h2>\n

                            No two patients have exactly the same periodontal condition.<\/p>\n

                            Treatment should be adapted according to:<\/p>\n

                              \n
                            • disease severity;<\/li>\n
                            • pocket depth;<\/li>\n
                            • bone loss;<\/li>\n
                            • smoking status;<\/li>\n
                            • diabetes and other systemic conditions;<\/li>\n
                            • tooth anatomy;<\/li>\n
                            • patient dexterity;<\/li>\n
                            • individual risk of disease progression.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                              Patients may be advised to use specific:<\/p>\n

                                \n
                              • toothbrushes;<\/li>\n
                              • interdental brushes;<\/li>\n
                              • flossing techniques;<\/li>\n
                              • other oral-hygiene aids.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                Learning how to use these correctly is just as important as owning the products themselves.<\/p>\n

                                What Happens If Periodontitis Is Not Treated?<\/h2>\n

                                Untreated periodontitis can progressively destroy the tissues supporting the teeth.<\/p>\n

                                Possible consequences include:<\/p>\n

                                  \n
                                • increasing periodontal pocket depth;<\/li>\n
                                • gum recession;<\/li>\n
                                • progressive bone loss;<\/li>\n
                                • tooth migration;<\/li>\n
                                • loosening of the teeth;<\/li>\n
                                • difficulty chewing;<\/li>\n
                                • eventual tooth loss.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                  Once periodontal attachment and bone have been lost, they do not simply return after routine cleaning.<\/p>\n

                                  This is why early diagnosis and treatment are so important.<\/p>\n

                                  Is Periodontitis Related to General Health?<\/h2>\n

                                  Periodontitis is a local inflammatory disease of the tissues supporting the teeth, but it is also associated with several systemic conditions.<\/p>\n

                                  Research has identified relationships between periodontal disease and conditions such as:<\/p>\n

                                    \n
                                  • diabetes;<\/li>\n
                                  • cardiovascular disease;<\/li>\n
                                  • certain inflammatory disorders.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                    These associations do not mean that periodontitis directly causes these diseases.<\/p>\n

                                    However, periodontal health is increasingly recognised as an important part of overall health, particularly in patients with systemic risk factors.<\/p>\n

                                    Periodontal Maintenance After Treatment<\/h2>\n

                                    Successful periodontal treatment does not end when the initial inflammation has been controlled.<\/p>\n

                                    Patients with a history of periodontitis require long-term periodontal maintenance<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

                                    Follow-up appointments may include:<\/p>\n

                                      \n
                                    • periodontal measurements;<\/li>\n
                                    • assessment of bleeding;<\/li>\n
                                    • evaluation of plaque control;<\/li>\n
                                    • professional cleaning;<\/li>\n
                                    • monitoring of tooth mobility;<\/li>\n
                                    • reassessment of risk factors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                      For some patients, maintenance every 3\u20134 months<\/strong> may be appropriate, while others may require a different schedule based on individual risk.<\/p>\n

                                      Can Periodontitis Be Cured?<\/h2>\n

                                      Periodontitis should generally be considered a chronic condition that can be successfully controlled and stabilised<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

                                      Treatment can:<\/p>\n

                                        \n
                                      • stop or significantly slow disease progression;<\/li>\n
                                      • reduce inflammation;<\/li>\n
                                      • improve periodontal health;<\/li>\n
                                      • preserve supporting tissues;<\/li>\n
                                      • help patients retain their natural teeth.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                        However, patients who have developed periodontitis remain at increased risk of recurrence and therefore require continued maintenance.<\/p>\n

                                        Conclusion<\/h2>\n

                                        Periodontitis is a serious inflammatory disease that should not be ignored.<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                        It affects not only the gums but also the bone and other structures responsible for supporting the teeth.<\/p>\n

                                        The most important factors for successful management are:<\/p>\n

                                          \n
                                        • \n
                                            \n
                                          • early diagnosis;<\/li>\n
                                          • effective plaque control;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                                              \n
                                            • professional periodontal treatment;<\/li>\n
                                            • smoking cessation;<\/li>\n
                                            • management of relevant systemic risk factors;<\/li>\n
                                            • long-term periodontal maintenance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                              If you notice bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession, tooth mobility, or changes in the position of your teeth<\/strong>, a periodontal examination can help determine whether periodontal disease is present and how advanced it is.<\/p>\n

                                              At BalCare Dental Clinic<\/strong>, periodontal treatment is individually planned according to the severity of the disease, the condition of the supporting tissues, and each patient\u2019s risk factors.<\/p>\n

                                              \ud83d\udcde Book a periodontal consultation at BalCare Dental Clinic: +359879882883<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                              Watch Our Video About Periodontitis<\/h2>\n

                                              You can also watch our dedicated video with Dr Vasilena Marinova from BalCare Dental Clinic<\/strong>, where she explains what periodontitis is, how it develops, and why professional treatment and long-term prevention are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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