Periodontitis

Radiograph showing bone loss between the two roots of a tooth (black region). The spongy bone has receded due to infection under tooth, reducing the bony support for the tooth.

Periodontitis is a set of diseases which usually attack the tissues surrounding the teeth. Periodontitis in comparison with Gingivitis is a more severe inflammation, because not only it affects the tissues, but also, it affects the bottom of the teeth. If it is not treated at all, it may lead to a loss of teeth.

The word "periodontitis" comes from peri ("around"), odont ("tooth") and -itis ("redness").

Reports

Periodontitis doesn't just affect the gums and teeth, but reports have stated that it may increase risk of stroke. It is also related to memory problems for those over 60 years of age.

References

  1. ↑ Pussinen PJ, Alfthan G, Jousilahti P, Paju S, Tuomilehto J. (2007). Systemic exposure to Porphyromonas gingivalis predicts incident stroke. Atherosclerosis. 193(1):222-8. PMID 16872615
  2. ↑ Pussinen PJ, Alfthan G, Rissanen H, Reunanen A, Asikainen S, Knekt P. (2004). Antibodies to periodontal pathogens and stroke risk. Stroke. 35(9):2020-3.PMID 15232116
  3. ↑ Noble JM, Borrell LN, Papapanou PN, Elkind MS, Scarmeas N, Wright CB. (2009). Periodontitis is associated with cognitive impairment among older adults: analysis of NHANES-III. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 80(11):1206–11. PMID 19419981