
Periodontology deals with diseases of the supporting structures of the tooth (periodontium), gingiva, alveolar bone and ligaments that bind the tooth to the bone.
According to studies in Croatia, about 70% of the population is affected by periodontal disease. It usually appears in the thirties and is more common in men.
The most common causes of this disease are poor oral hygiene, lower immunity, genetic predisposition, stress and smoking.
Periodontal disease begins with the formation of bacteria filled dental plaque. Due to poor oral hygiene, dental plaque hardens into calculus and destroys the supporting tooth structures (periodonium).
It is an underlying disease that often without major symptoms can lead to loss of all tooth supporting structures and consequent to loss of teeth.