Periodontosis and periodontitis are chronic dental diseases that are widespread throughout the world and affect around 10 million people in Germany alone. However, the two terms are often confused with one another. We explain what the technical terms really mean and what causes the diseases.
Basically, the two terms are used to describe an inflammatory disease of the periodontium.
The term periodontal disease is often used as a synonym for periodontitis, which refers to diseases of the periodontium . In contrast to periodontitis, however, periodontosis is not an inflammation, but rather changes in the periodontium, which are usually associated with advancing age .
It is important to understand the differences between the two terms to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Periodontosis vs. Periodontitis: Where do the terms come from?
The term periodontitis has historically been used to refer generally to various diseases of the dental apparatus, but without inflammatory conditions. The word is composed of the Greek “paro” (beside) and “odous” (tooth), which literally means “beside the tooth” .
The term periodontitis is also composed of the Greek words “paro” and “odous”, but is supplemented with the suffix “-itis”, which indicates an inflammatory disease . Therefore, periodontitis literally means “inflamed next to the tooth”.
Periodontosis vs. Periodontitis: This is the Difference
This is the difference between the two chronic dental diseases periodontosis and periodontitis:
1. Periodontitis:
- is often associated with diseases such as diabetes or autoimmune diseases
- No acute inflammation of the gums present
- is characterized by a slow development over years
- is promoted by risk factors such as smoking
- typically occurs without bleeding gums and pain
- Teeth move only slightly, but this can worsen if left untreated
- Long-term treatment can slow development
- no full recovery possible
2. Periodontitis:
- usually begins with gingivitis
- develops rapidly and shows pronounced symptoms
- The most common cause is inadequate dental hygiene
- Bleeding gums often occur
- severe pain as a side effect
- strong movement of the teeth, which can be stabilized
- timely treatment can alleviate the symptoms
- full recovery possible
Important: Smokers often do not have bleeding, which makes early detection difficult.
Periodontitis: The classic course
In the following, only periodontitis is explained, as it occurs much more frequently than periodontal disease:
Periodontitis develops slowly and often begins with slight bleeding of the gums when brushing teeth. Redness and swelling can indicate inflammation of the gums, which is often the precursor to periodontitis. This is caused by bacteria that form a biofilm (plaque) on the teeth. If this coating is not removed, tartar forms, which provides a hold for the bacteria. The process spreads into the gum pockets, attacks the jawbone and then leads to receding gums . If left untreated, teeth can fall out over time, but the process takes years.
Current scientific research also indicates a connection between diabetes and vascular disease . A possible connection with cardiovascular disease, particularly heart attacks, is also being discussed. Pregnant women with periodontitis have a higher risk of premature births or underweight newborns, about eight times higher than with healthy gums.
Periodontitis: Causes and Symptoms
Periodontitis is mainly caused by bacteria, with certain risk factors playing a decisive role. These primarily include smoking, poor oral hygiene and diabetes. The disease often arises from untreated inflammation of the gums. The gums lose their attachment to the tooth root surface, forming ever deeper gum pockets that fill with bacterial plaque. This in turn leads to the breakdown of connective tissue fibers and bone.
Important: Periodontitis can also affect individual teeth .
These symptoms often occur in periodontitis:
- Bleeding gums: An early sign that can occur especially after brushing teeth or when biting into solid foods.
- Redness and swelling: Visible changes in the gums should serve as an alarm signal to visit the dentist.
- Receding gums: Receding gums can lead to exposed tooth necks and optically lengthen the teeth.
- Increased sensitivity: The teeth are particularly sensitive to heat and cold and cause pain.
- Bad breath: An inflamed mouth can lead to unpleasant breath.
- Loose teeth: In advanced stages, loose teeth may occur, especially if bone loss is significant.
Important note: Periodontitis can spread far beyond the oral cavity and cause serious illnesses, including fever, bacterial colonization of heart valves or endoprostheses. Signs of a progressive infection can include jaw locking, difficulty swallowing and swelling in the face/neck area.
Periodontitis: Effective prevention
Prevention is crucial to ensure the health of gums and teeth .
These things can have a positive impact on dental health:
- Regular dental care: Thorough dental care, including brushing your teeth twice a day and cleaning between your teeth, is the basic protection against periodontitis.
- Early detection through basic examinations: Regular basic examinations, ideally once a year, enable early detection of changes in the condition of the gums and periodontal tissue.
- Professional oral hygiene: Professional oral hygiene includes making plaque visible by coloring it, thoroughly removing it and coating the cleaned teeth with fluoride varnish. This varnish provides additional protection against oral bacteria and strengthens the teeth.
- Invest in your oral health: Order from PRObiom® Dental and say goodbye to periodontitis, tooth decay and bad breath in the long term.
By combining these measures, the risk of periodontitis can be significantly reduced and long-term oral health can be ensured.
Being conscious of your own dental health and regular preventive examinations can help to detect periodontitis and periodontal disease early and treat them effectively. Invest in your oral health and order from PRObiom® Dental to maintain a radiant smile and good general health in the long term.
