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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

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Illustration showing periodontitis Periodontitis

Periodontitis (pair-e-o-don-TI-tis) is a serious gum infection that destroys the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth. Periodontitis can cause tooth loss or worse, an increased risk of heart attack or stroke and other serious health problems.

Periodontitis is common but largely preventable. Periodontitis is usually the result of poor oral hygiene. Daily brushing and flossing and regular professional dental cleanings can greatly reduce your chance of developing periodontitis.

Symptoms
References
  1. What is gum disease? Association of General Dentistry. http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=G&iid=324&aid=1251. Accessed Aug. 24, 2010.
  2. De Oliveira C, et al. Toothbrushing, inflammation and risk of cardiovascular disease: Results from Scottish Health Survey. British Medical Journal. 2010;340:2451. http://www.bmj.com/content/340/bmj.c2451.full.pdf. Accessed Aug. 23, 2010.
  3. Periodontal (gum) disease: Causes, symptoms and treatments. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/GumDiseases/PeriodontalGumDisease.htm. Accessed Aug. 24, 2010.
  4. Wilder RS, et al. Gingivitis and periodontitis in adults: Classification and dental treatment. http://www.uptodate.com. Accessed Aug. 27, 2010.
  5. How to keep a healthy smile for life. American Academy of Periodontology. http://www.perio.org/consumer/smileforlife.htm. Accessed Aug. 24, 2010.
  6. Gonsalves WC, et al. Common oral conditions in older persons. American Family Physician. 2008;78:845.
  7. Mouth-body connection. American Academy of Periodontology. http://www.perio.org/consumer/mbc.top2.htm. Accessed Aug. 23, 2010.
  8. Pocket depth reduction. American Academy of Periodontology. http://www.perio.org/consumer/pocket.htm. Accessed Aug. 24, 2010.
  9. Soft tissue grafts. American Academy of Periodontology. http://www.ada.org/2624.aspx. Accessed Aug 27, 2010.
  10. Cleaning your teeth and gums. American Dental Association. http://www.ada.org/2624.aspx. Accessed Aug. 27, 2010.
  11. Gum disease and diabetes. American Academy of Periodontology. http://www.perio.org/consumer/mbc.diabetes.htm. Accessed Aug. 31, 2010.
  12. Gum disease and respiratory diseases. American Academy of Periodontology. http://www.perio.org/consumer/mbc.respiratory.htm. Accessed Aug. 31, 2010.
  13. Esposito M, et al. Enamel matrix derivative (Emdogain) for periodontal tissue regeneration in intrabony defects. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2010:CD003875.
DS00369 Nov. 23, 2010

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