Inflammation of the periodontal tissues is the most common disease of the human body, affecting up to 98% of the population. Periodontology, as a field of dental medicine, focuses on the study and treatment of supporting tissues of the teeth, known as the periodontium (including the gums, bone, cementum, and periodontal ligaments).

It all begins as gingivitis, which is inflammation of the gum tissue. This inflammation is triggered by soft deposits (plaque) and hard deposits (calculus or tartar) on the tooth surface that contain bacteria, the causative agents of inflammatory processes. This inflammation results in swollen, painful, and bleeding gums upon irritation (such as bleeding during tooth brushing). Untreated gum inflammation can evolve into periodontitis.

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammation of deeper structures around the teeth (bone and periodontal ligaments that connect the tooth and bone). Damage to these structures creates pockets that gradually deepen, leading to loosening and eventual loss of teeth.

Periimplantitis denotes a similar inflammatory process in the context of dental implants.

Considering all of the above, it is important to emphasize the importance of maintaining oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist for plaque and tartar removal. It's important to note that the appearance of soft tissues around the teeth plays a crucial role in smile aesthetics, often referred to as the "red aesthetics." Therefore, cosmetic corrective procedures are sometimes performed on these tissues.

Remember, bleeding during tooth brushing can often be an early warning sign that indicates the need for a dental visit!