A confident, long-lasting smile starts with healthy gums. Periodontitis is one of the most frequent illnesses that slowly damages gum health. This long-lasting infection usually starts without discomfort and gets worse over time until it hurts the bones and tissues that support your teeth. Knowing what causes this disease, what its symptoms are, and how to treat it will help you protect your overall health and dental health.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to periodontitis, with expert insights from Smile Design Boutique, a leading dental clinic in Geneva known for its advanced treatments and personalized approach to oral care.
What is periodontitis?
Periodontitis is a severe, progressive gum disease that damages both soft tissues and the supporting bone around your teeth. It starts with plaque, a sticky coating of germs that is always on the teeth. If not removed through daily brushing and interdental cleaning, plaque turns into tartar, which harbors bacteria and irritates the gums.
At first, this inflammation leads to gingivitis, which is the mildest and most reversible type of gum disease. If gingivitis is not treated, the inflammation spreads deeper below the gumline, creating periodontal pockets that collect bacteria. Over time, this infection will destroy the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. This can cause gum recession, loose teeth, and perhaps tooth loss.
How does periodontitis affect your gums?
Periodontitis not only inflames the visible part of your gums, but it also affects the entire periodontium, which includes the gums, bone, and ligaments anchoring each tooth. Early signs such as redness or swelling may seem harmless, but as the infection progresses, symptoms can become more noticeable.
Gums may bleed when brushing or flossing. You might experience persistent bad breath, gum recession that makes teeth appear longer, or even loose and shifting teeth. In advanced cases, chewing can become uncomfortable, and bone loss can permanently alter your bite structure.
Common signs you should not ignore
Because early-stage periodontitis is often painless, many people overlook it until significant damage occurs. Recognizing the following symptoms helps catch the disease early:
Red or swollen gums
Healthy gums should feel firm and pale pink, not with inflammation or discomfort.
Bleeding during brushing or flossing
Bleeding is a sign of early infection. It is not normal and should not be ignored.
Persistent bad breath
Bacteria producing sulfur compounds cause a lingering unpleasant odor that brushing alone cannot fix.
Gum recession
As tissues recede, roots become exposed, leading to sensitivity and longer-looking teeth.
Loose or migrating teeth
As bone support deteriorates, teeth may shift, loosen, or feel unstable.
How does periodontitis spread beyond the mouth?
Periodontitis has effects that go far beyond the gums. When your gums are inflamed, bacteria and poisons can get into your bloodstream, which could affect your overall health. Studies have shown that severe gum disease is linked to heart disease, diabetes, and breathing problems.
For expecting mothers, untreated periodontitis has been associated with pregnancy complications such as low birth weight. Maintaining periodontal health, therefore, supports not only your smile but also your systemic well-being.
Stages of periodontitis
| Stage | Description | Typical Symptoms |
| Gingivitis | Early, reversible gum inflammation | Mild swelling, bleeding on brushing |
| Early periodontitis | Initial bone and tissue loss | Slight gum recession, deeper pockets |
| Moderate periodontitis | Noticeable damage to bone and support fibers | Spaces between teeth, persistent bleeding |
| Advanced periodontitis | Severe bone loss and loose teeth | Pain on chewing, shifting teeth, potential tooth loss |
Early periodontitis treatment will often arrest progression. However, advanced stages require more complex interventions to stabilize and avoid damage.
How is periodontitis treated at Smile Design Boutique?
In Smile Design Boutique, we focus on comprehensive periodontal care that combines modern technology with individualized treatment. Our goal is to control infection, restore gum health, and maintain results through preventive strategies.
Professional cleaning and scaling
Dentists remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline using ultrasonic instruments. This deep cleaning smooths tooth roots to help gums reattach.
Laser-assisted periodontal therapy
Laser technology only destroys infected tissue and disinfects areas, which speeds up healing with little pain.
Regenerative treatments
For patients with tissue or bone loss, procedures such as bone grafting or guided tissue regeneration can encourage new growth and support long-term stability.
Maintenance and periodic reviews
Personalized maintenance plans make sure that monitoring and management continue, which helps patients keep their gums healthy between appointments.
Lifestyle habits to prevent periodontitis
Daily habits play a vital role in keeping gums healthy. Combining at-home care with professional support drastically lowers the chance of infection returning.
Practice proper brushing
Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gumline and move it gently in circular motions twice a day. Replace your brush every three months or sooner if the bristles fray.
Clean between teeth daily
Use dental floss, interdental brushes, or water flossers to clean spaces your toothbrush cannot reach.
Eat a nutrient-rich diet
Foods high in vitamins C and D, calcium, and antioxidants strengthen gums and improve healing. Reduce sugary snacks that feed harmful bacteria.
Quit smoking
Tobacco restricts blood flow to gum tissue and conceals early signs of disease, allowing the condition to worsen unnoticed.
Visit your dentist regularly
Professional cleaning and checkups every six months, or more frequently for at-risk individuals, help detect and control early gum issues.
Why does prevention matter more than treatment?
Preventing periodontitis is easier, faster, and more comfortable than treating it. Treating bleeding gums or mild inflammation early helps prevent tooth loss. Brushing properly, cleaning between teeth, attending frequent appointments, and eating a balanced diet build good dental health.Our team at Smile Design Boutique in Geneva believes informed patients make confident health choices. Their approach combines education, regular monitoring, and precise diagnostics to protect every aspect of your smile.
Quick Q&A about periodontitis
Is periodontitis contagious?
Not in the usual sense, though bacteria responsible for gum disease can be transferred through saliva. Practicing good oral hygiene minimizes risk.
Can periodontitis be cured?
Early forms are reversible. Advanced cases can be managed and stabilized with proper treatment and lifelong care.
How often should periodontal maintenance be scheduled?
After initial therapy, most patients benefit from visits every three to four months to prevent bacterial buildup.
Does treatment hurt?
Local anesthesia ensures comfort during procedures. Mild sensitivity afterward typically subsides within days.
A smile worth caring for
Every confident grin has healthy gums behind it. Taking care of yourself quickly when you start to feel bad can make a big impact. Smile Design Boutique in Geneva treats every patient with accuracy, comfort, and respect for their natural smile. Take care of your teeth. Book an appointment today to highlight your health and confidence.
