FAQs

Periodontitis cannot be fully cured because it involves permanent damage to the supporting structures of the teeth, such as bone and connective tissue.

However, it can be effectively managed and stabilised with proper treatment and ongoing care. The goal of treatment is to halt disease progression, prevent further damage, and maintain oral health.

Periodontitis is an immune-inflammatory condition associated with a dysbiotic plaque biofilm. Your immune-inflammatory response aims to protect you from the plaque biofilm.

However, in doing so, it damages the tissues and bone that support your teeth. Several factors may increase your risk of delevoping periodontitis, including poor oral hygiene, smoking, uncontrolled/ undiagnosed diabetes, genetics and stress.

Even with excellent oral hygiene, you may develop periodontitis due to factors beyond brushing.

Some reasons include:

• Genetics – your genetic make-up may predispose them to periodontitis, making your gums more susceptible to inflammation
• Systemic Conditions – conditions that may affect your immune-inflammatory response (e.g. diabetes or immune disorders) can affect how your body responds to the plaque biofilm.
• Stress – chronic stress may impair your immune system, reducing your body’s ability to work efficiently
• Smoking – tobacco-based products impair the immune response.

Patients often state that they do not have any bleeding when they brush their teeth with but do if they use their interdental brushes (small brushes to clean between teeth) and often believe the bleeding is due to trauma from using such brushes.

However, this is unlikely to be the case. Bleeding, a sign of inflammation, is likely to indicate an underlying issue such as gingivitis or periodontitis.

It is recommended to visit a dentist or dental care professional (dental hygienist or dental therapist) at your earliest convenience for a thorough assessment and diagnosis if you have any of the signs and symptoms of gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis).

They will help you to address your concerns and manage your disease.

A referral to a specialist periodontist means your dentist has identified a periodontal tissue that requires additional expertise. Periodontists are dental specialists with additional training in diagnosing, preventing and treating gum diseases and conditions affecting the supporting structures of the teeth.

You may have been referred due to the severity of your periodontitis, the complexity of your case, the need for surgical interventions to manage your periodontitis or because of specific medical conditions. Seeing a periodontist is a proactive step towards preserving your gum health and overall well-being.