Gum Disease

What is periodontitis?

The periodontium, sometimes called periodontium, is the tissue that supports the teeth, including :

• gingiva (18, 19, 20, 21) ;
• alveolar bone (23): part of the jawbone in which the teeth are implanted;
• cementum (7): the protective layer that covers the root of the teeth in the alveolar bone;
• periodontal ligament (22): the tissue that surrounds the root of the teeth and is located between the cementum and the alveolar bone;
• nerve elements and blood vessels in the vicinity of the tooth.

A healthy periodontium protects and surrounds the teeth. When the periodontium is affected, it cannot fulfil its protective role. The roots of the teeth can then become exposed, unstable and more vulnerable to infection. In the most severe cases, unhealthy periodontium can lead to tooth loss.