Periodontitis 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. It 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.

What causes gum disease?
Our mouths are full of bacteria. These bacteria, along with mucus and other particles, constantly form a sticky, colorless “plaque” on teeth. Brushing and flossing help get rid of plaque. Plaque that is not removed can harden and form “tartar” that brushing doesn’t clean. Only a professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist can remove tartar.
 
The longer plaque and tartar remain on your teeth, the more damage they can do. The bacteria cause inflammation of the gums that is called “gingivitis.” The gums become red, swollen and can bleed easily.
Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can usually be reversed with daily brushing and flossing, and regular cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist. This form of gum disease does not include any loss of bone and tissue that hold teeth in place.
 
But ongoing inflammation eventually causes pockets to develop between your gums and teeth that fill with plaque, tartar and bacteria: it can advance to « periodontitis ». These pockets become deeper and more bacteria accumulate, eventually advancing under your gum tissue. 
If not treated, these deep infections can cause a loss of tissue and bone. The teeth may eventually become loose and have to be removed.

Risk Factors 
There exist many risk factors :
•        General risk factors: heredity, the stress, the tobacco, diabetes, hormonal changes such as those related to pregnancy or menopause,  and certain general diseases support occurred of the parodontites.
 
•        Local risk factors: poor oral health habits, techniques of brushing badly controlled, unsuited dental care…
 
               
How is gum disease treated?
The main goal of treatment is to control the infection. The number and types of treatment will vary, depending on the extent of the gum disease. Any type of treatment requires that the patient keep up good daily care at home, and changing certain behaviors, such as quitting smoking, could be a way to improve treatment outcome.
 
Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)
The dentist, periodontist, or dental hygienist removes the plaque through a deep-cleaning method called scaling and root planing. Scaling removes tartar and bacteria from your tooth surfaces and beneath your gums. Root planing gets rid of rough spots on the tooth root where the germs gather, and helps remove bacteria that contribute to the disease.
  
How can I keep my teeth and gums healthy?
         •    Visit the dentist routinely for a check-up and professional cleaning.
         •    Use a soft toothbrush and replace it at least every two to three months
         •    Consider using an electric toothbrush, which may be more effective at removing plaque and tartar
         •    Brush your teeth twice a day or, better yet, after every meal or snack
         •    Floss regularly to remove plaque from between teeth.
         •    Use a mouth rinse to help reduce plaque between your teeth
         •    Supplement brushing and flossing with an interdental cleaner, such as a dental pick or dental stick specially designed to clean between your teeth