Epidemiology of Periodontal Diseases

Periodontal disease is a general term for all illnesses
affecting the tissues that surround and support the
teeth in the jaws.
Periodontal disease is classified into two types:
gingivitis, which affects only the gingiva and
periodontitis, which affects the underlying supporting
periodontal tissues.
Periodontal disease can be hereditary or acquired.
The periodontium is made up of four distinct tissues:
gingiva, cementum, periodontal ligament, and
alveolar bone.
Gingivitis causes inflammation, redness and
bleeding in the gum in its early stages. Periodontitis
is the advanced stage of periodontal disease in which
the gums tear away from the tooth, bone loss occurs,
and teeth become loose or fall out.
Periodontal infections are among the most frequent
chronic illnesses that have afflicted humans for
generations.
Periodontitis is the most prevalent cause of tooth loss
in adults. Throughout the last two decades, significant
progress has been achieved in understanding the
cause, pathophysiology, and treatment of periodontal
disease. Longitudinal studies show that periodontal
disease can be avoided, treated if it arises, and teeth
can be kept for a lifetime.