[Periodontitis--a ubiquitous illness]

In recent years, periodontitis has been receiving increasing attention, since it not only impairs the general state of health (loss of the teeth), but also appears to have a relationship with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular illnesses (thrombocyte aggregation, insult). Periodontitis is a very frequent, chronic recurrent, unspecific bacterial inflammation of the periodontium that arises in accumulated plaques on the teeth at the gingiva. It leads to an irreversible destruction of soft tissue followed by loss of bony substance. Three types of periodontitis can be distinguished: 1. adult periodontitis (AP), 2. rapidly progressive periodontitis (RPP) and juvenile periodontitis (JP). Periodontitis appears to have a genetic component. Additional risk factors include juvenile diabetes mellitus and smoking. The diagnosis, prevention and treatment are discussed. The basis for prevention and treatment is individual hygiene and professional dental care.