Why is tooth support involved?
Inflammation can damage supporting fibres and surrounding bone. It therefore affects more than the visible gum margin.
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Why does periodontitis affect more than the gums?
Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease of the tissues supporting the teeth. Supporting tissue and bone around teeth can be lost. It may cause few symptoms for a long time. Treatment aims to control inflammation and limit further loss where possible.
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The tooth's support is affected
Teeth are anchored in the surrounding bone by supporting fibres. In periodontitis, inflammation can damage this attachment.
Damage can develop unnoticed
Deeper pockets can form between the tooth and gum. Tissue loss may not cause noticeable pain at first.
Treatment needs follow-up care
Treatment includes removing deposits, daily oral hygiene and further measures based on the findings. Regular follow-up helps monitor the condition.
At a glance
How is the condition identified?
Pocket depths, bleeding and tooth mobility are assessed together. X-rays can additionally show whether bone has been lost.
Why does follow-up remain important?
Inflammation can recur even after active treatment. Home care and individually planned checks help monitor the condition and maintain the result where possible.
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Often confused
Periodontitis or gingivitis?
Gingivitis is limited to the gums. Periodontitis also damages the supporting tissues; existing tissue loss does not simply disappear with more thorough brushing.
Quick answers
Does the German term “Parodontose” mean something different?
In everyday German, “Parodontose” often refers to periodontitis. The medical term for this inflammatory disease is periodontitis.
How is periodontitis diagnosed?
The examination includes the gums, pocket depths and tooth mobility. X-rays can show whether bone has been lost.
Is everything finished after treatment?
The tissues supporting the teeth still need attention. Home care and individually planned follow-up are part of long-term care.
At the practice
For your consultation
A question to discuss with Dr. med. dent. Niusha Barahmand Pour:
Which findings matter for preserving my teeth, and how will follow-up be tailored to them?
Dr. Barahmand Pour discusses the dental findings alongside personal preferences and possible treatment steps.
We discuss your gums, tooth support and possible next steps based on a personal examination.
Discuss possible periodontitisChoose an appointment on DoctolibLearning for dental trainees & teamsUnderstand clinical terms and build your knowledge
Build on the simple explanation with clinical terms, key distinctions and a knowledge question.
- Periodontium
- The tissues supporting a tooth: the gums, root cementum, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone together surround and anchor it.
- Alveolar bone
- The bone forming the tooth socket. Fibres of the periodontal ligament anchor the tooth within it.
- Supportive periodontal therapy (UPT)
- Structured periodontal follow-up involving monitoring, oral hygiene support and treatment according to need. In Germany, this is known as UPT.
Know the difference
Little inflammation after treatment does not mean lost tooth support has been fully restored. Follow-up remains important.
Sources for further learning
Sources and context
Editorial research: 22 October 2026. This explanation covers general principles and does not replace a personal examination. Suitable treatment is discussed following individual assessment.