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.