The dangers of developing periodontitis

JUST over 30 per cent of the Spanish working population have some kind of destructive periodontal disease.

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease that affects the supporting tissue of teeth and leads to a progressive loss of bone around the roots of the teeth. If untreated, periodontal disease can cause tooth loss.

The disease is more common in men with primary education, lower income and its incidence has increased over the years, according to a recent study by the Spanish Periodontology Association.

Dr Ignacio Sanz, contributing member of the Foundation of the College of Dentistry and Stomatology of the First Region (FCOEM), said the most important factor associated with the onset of periodontal disease is tobacco: “The scientific literature indicates that the risk of developing periodontal disease doubles or triples in smokers.

The main sign of early periodontal diseases is spontaneous bleeding from gums or during brushing and having bad taste and breath.

Dentists recommend using dental floss and plaque removers to prevent the build-up of plaque that can cause the disease.