Periodontitis, also known as pyorrhoea, is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the tissues supporting the tooth: the gum, the periodontal ligament and the alveolar bone.
It is often painless in the early stages, which makes it insidious: people who have it may only notice when their teeth start to move, bleed or hurt when chewing. By then, however, the inflammation may already have caused significant damage and, if neglected, can lead to tooth loss. Precisely because it is silent for so long, periodontitis can seem to appear suddenly, even though it usually develops slowly over time.
It is treated by a periodontist; see the treatment here: www.neabios.com/en/gum-disease-periodontitis-treatment
Why periodontitis can't wait
Contrary to what many people think, periodontitis is not just a problem for the teeth, but a chronic inflammation that can have effects throughout the body.
Many studies have found links between periodontitis and:
- Diabetes (in both directions)
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Cardiovascular disease
- Complications in pregnancy
Neglecting your oral health can mean putting the health of your whole body at risk. That is why at NeaBios Dental Clinic we take an integrated approach that also considers the systemic effects of oral infections.
Tartar, bacteria and bad breath: a dangerous triangle
One of the most common and often underestimated warning signs is persistent bad breath (halitosis). Although it can have several causes, chronic bad breath starts in the mouth in most cases: the main sources are the coating on the tongue and, in people with periodontitis, the periodontal pockets.
How are they connected?
- Tartar (hardened plaque) builds up on the tooth surfaces and below the gumline.
- Plaque, tartar and periodontal pockets harbour anaerobic bacteria (bacteria that live without oxygen), which are responsible for the breakdown of proteins that produces volatile sulphur compounds: the molecules that cause the unpleasant smell.
- The same bacteria attack the periodontal tissues, triggering the inflammatory response and fuelling periodontitis.
This is how and why bad breath can be a sign of a bacterial gum infection that is already under way.
Inflammation and links with the stomach
Although bad breath is sometimes blamed on stomach problems such as gastro-oesophageal reflux or slow digestion, the real cause is often in the mouth: according to the literature, only about 5-10% of cases of bad breath start outside the mouth.
Even so, the link between periodontitis and the digestive system is being researched:
- Oral bacteria can reach the gut, both through the bloodstream and in swallowed saliva.
- According to some studies, bacteria from the mouth may worsen bowel diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer, but their exact role is not yet clear.
- Chewing, the first step of digestion, can become difficult when teeth are loose or painful.
In short, the mouth is the first part of the digestive system: looking after it is part of the health of your entire digestive tract.
Diagnosis and treatment at NeaBios Dental Clinic
At our NeaBios dental clinic in Rome, in the elegant residential area of Via Cesare Pavese – EUR, not far from Laurentina, we treat periodontitis in a comprehensive, personalised way:
Our approach includes:
- Early diagnosis with periodontal probing and, where indicated, 3D CT scans
- Non-surgical treatment (root planing, curettage)
- Antibacterial laser treatment, where indicated
- Regenerative bone surgery in more advanced cases
- Guidance on oral hygiene at home
- Regular check-ups to keep the condition stable
Our team, with specialists such as Dr Nihad Pljevljak and Dr Cocciarelli, is highly trained to treat periodontal disease with expertise, a gentle touch and attention to the patient's overall health.
A small symptom that may hide a serious problem
If you notice frequent bad breath, bleeding gums, visible tartar or discomfort when chewing, don't wait. Even a problem that seems minor can develop into a complex condition that harms the whole body.
At NeaBios we take care not only of your smile, but of your health as a whole. Book a periodontal check-up today at our clinic in Rome, at Via Cesare Pavese 135.
Sources
- Kinane DF, Stathopoulou PG, Papapanou PN. Periodontal diseases. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2017;3:17038. PubMed
- Genco RJ, Sanz M. Clinical and public health implications of periodontal and systemic diseases: An overview. Periodontol 2000. 2020;83(1):7-13. PubMed
- Sanz M, Ceriello A, Buysschaert M, et al. Scientific evidence on the links between periodontal diseases and diabetes: Consensus report and guidelines of the joint workshop on periodontal diseases and diabetes by the International Diabetes Federation and the European Federation of Periodontology. J Clin Periodontol. 2018;45(2):138-149. PubMed
- Tangerman A, Winkel EG. Extra-oral halitosis: an overview. J Breath Res. 2010;4(1):017003. PubMed
- Kitamoto S, Nagao-Kitamoto H, Hein R, et al. The Bacterial Connection between the Oral Cavity and the Gut Diseases. J Dent Res. 2020;99(9):1021-1029. PubMed