Have you noticed blood on the toothbrush while brushing your teeth? Do your gums seem receded, and your teeth look longer than before? These could be the first symptoms of periodontitis – a condition that is one of the most common causes of tooth loss in adults. Good news? Periodontitis doesn't have to be a sentence – if you know how to recognize and properly treat it.
Periodontitis – what is it? Definition and disease mechanism
Periodontitis it is a chronic disease of the tissues surrounding the tooth – the periodontium, which leads to their gradual destruction. It starts innocently: with gingivitis caused by bacterial plaque. If you don't react, bacteria penetrate deeper, creating gum pockets – spaces between the gum and the tooth where more bacteria multiply.
Over time, the infection destroys the jawbone or mandible that holds the teeth. The result? Teeth start to loosen, and in advanced cases – fall out. Importantly, periodontitis at first it doesn't hurt, which is why we often notice it too late [1].
Symptoms of periodontitis – how to recognize the disease in time?
Early warning signs of periodontitis
Bleeding gums This is the first and most common symptom of periodontitis. If blood appears while brushing or eating a hard fruit – it's a sign, a signal that something is wrong. Don't ignore it! This is the moment when you can still reverse the process.
Other early symptoms include:
- red and swollen gums – healthy gums are light pink and firm,
- unpleasant breath odor (halitosis) – results from the proliferation of anaerobic bacteria in the mouth,
- gum sensitivity to touch or temperature.
Advanced symptoms of periodontitis
As the disease progresses, among others, the following appear:
- receding gums – the tooth necks become exposed, teeth appear longer,
- loose teeth – the bone is destroyed, so the teeth lose stability,
- purulent discharge from gum pockets,
- changes in bite – shifting of teeth,
- pain when chewing food [2].
If you notice any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your dentist – the earlier you start treatment, the better the chance of saving your teeth.
The most common causes of periodontitis
Bacterial plaque – the main enemy
The primary cause of inflammation resulting from periodontitis is dental plaque [3] – a sticky layer of bacteria that forms on the teeth. If you don't remove it regularly (by brushing and flossing), it turns into tartar, which can only be removed in a dental office.
Risk factors
- smoking – weakens the gums, hinders healing,
- diabetes – high sugar levels promote bacterial growth,
- improper hygiene – brushing only the outer surfaces of the teeth is not enough, proper technique is also key,
- stress – lowers the body's immunity,
- genetics – some people have a higher predisposition to periodontal diseases,
- bruxism (teeth grinding) – damages the supporting tissues.
Symptoms of gingivitis – is it the same as periodontitis?
Gingivitis (gingivitis) is the stage preceding periodontitis. The difference? In gingivitis, the process is reversible – if you improve hygiene, the gums return to health. In periodontitis, irreversible bone damage occurs [4].
Symptoms of gingivitis:
- red, swollen gums,
- bleeding during brushing,
- sensitivity.
Key question: what for bleeding gums? The answer is simple – thorough hygiene and removal of bacterial plaque.
Periodontitis treatment – what can you do?
Professional dental treatment
- scaling – removal of tartar with ultrasound,
- cleaning of gum pockets – the dentist cleans the spaces under the gums from bacteria and dead tissues with special tools,
- antibiotic therapy – in advanced cases,
- surgical procedures – in the most difficult situations (tissue grafts, bone regeneration).
Home treatment – key tools
The truth is that without systematic hygiene at home, no dental office treatment will provide lasting effects. You need a comprehensive approach.
Irrigator – effective cleaning of gum pockets
ZENT® Stream+ it is a water flosser that is as effective as traditional dental floss in removing plaque but much easier and more pleasant to use. Why is it an important tool in preventing periodontitis?
- Reaches gum pockets – a water stream at 40–110 PSI pressure reaches places where the toothbrush cannot.
- Reduces gum bleeding – studies show significant improvement in gum condition after just 2–4 weeks of regular use [5].
- 360° rotation technology – even cleaning of the entire oral cavity.
- Three operating modes – gentle (for sensitive gums), normal, and pulsating (intensive cleaning).
If you have bleeding gums, start with the gentle mode. After a few days, you can switch to normal mode.
Toothbrush with built-in Modified Bass method
ZENT® SoniQ+ it is the first toothbrush in Poland combining sonic technology (31,000 vibrations/min) with 60° oscillation, automatically performing movements based on the Modified Bass method – recognized by dentists as one of the most effective brushing techniques.
Why does it help with periodontitis?
- Precise cleaning of the gum line – where the most bacteria accumulate.
- Gentle for sensitive gums – the Gentle mode does not irritate but effectively removes plaque.
- Removes bacterial biofilm even below the gum line.
- 5 operating modes – tailored to different needs (from gentle to Super Clean).
The Modified Bass method involves positioning the toothbrush at a 45° angle to the gum line and gently sweeping bacteria away with a motion from the gum towards the tooth. ZENT® SoniQ+ automatically performs this movement thanks to the unique Dual-Motion technology.
Toothbrush sterility
The moist bathroom environment is a paradise for bacteria. If you have periodontitis, the last thing you need is reintroducing microbes into your mouth.
ZENT® Uveo Duo is an intelligent UV sterilizer that eliminates 99.9% of bacteria from the toothbrush. Automatic disinfection every 3 hours + the "Health Wind" drying system ensure your toothbrush is always clean and dry.
What to do about bleeding gums? Step-by-step action plan
- Make a dental appointment – professional tartar removal is essential.
- Buy a water flosser – use it every evening before brushing your teeth.
- Change your toothbrush – switch to a sonic brush with a gentle cleaning function.
- Brush your teeth twice a day for 2 minutes, focusing on the gum line.
- Stop smoking – this increases the chances of a cure.
- Regularly check the condition of your gums – visits to the dentist every 6 months.
Periodontitis is a serious disease, but you can control it. The key is early recognition of symptoms (bleeding gums, gum recession) and immediate action. Professional treatment by a dentist and systematic hygiene at home (irrigator, good toothbrush, sterility) give a chance to keep your teeth into old age. Don’t wait until it’s too late – start acting today.
FAQ – most frequently asked questions
Is periodontitis curable?
Unfortunately, destroyed bone will not regrow on its own. However, you can stop the progression of the disease and prevent further damage through proper hygiene and regular visits to the dentist.
How often should you use an irrigator with periodontitis?
It is recommended to use it daily, preferably in the evening before brushing your teeth. Adjust the exact frequency and intensity to your condition – consult your dentist.
What if the gums bleed despite regular hygiene?
Bleeding should decrease after 7–10 days of systematic use of the irrigator and the proper toothbrush. If it does not subside, be sure to see a dentist – a pocket cleaning procedure may be necessary.
Does periodontitis hurt?
Not at first. It is a disease that develops painlessly. Pain appears only in advanced stages, when the infection is already serious.
References
[1] Sedghi L., DiMassa V., Harrington A., et al. (2021). "Periodontal Disease: The Good, The Bad, and The Unknown". Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 11, 766944.
[2] Salvi G.E., Lang N.P. (2023). "Clinical periodontal diagnosis". Periodontology 2000, 80(1), 10-32.
[3] Łasica A., Moskaluk M., Łasica M., et al. (2024). "Periodontitis: etiology, conventional treatments, and emerging bacteriophage and predatory bacteria therapies". Frontiers in Microbiology, 15, 1438276.
[4] Basic A., Dahlén G., Bujak M., et al. (2023). "Microbial metabolites in the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases: a narrative review". Frontiers in Oral Health, 4, 1210200.
[5] Bissett S.M., Presseau J., Eisenschitz A., et al. (2024). "An Evaluation of a New Ultrasonic Water Irrigator in the Management of Gingival Health: A Randomised Study". International Journal of Dental Hygiene, 22(1), 45-53.
