Periodontology is the branch of dentistry that deals with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the periodontium, the set of hard and soft tissues supporting teeth and implants, such as the gingiva, periodontal ligament, root cementum, alveolar bone and peri-implant mucosa.

People who do not observe good oral hygiene and who have an individual predisposition to the disease can become ill with periodontal disease. Specifically, the factors that favour the disease are:

Inadequate oral hygiene is the main cause of periodontitis. Bacterial plaque first causes gingivitis, which then becomes pyorrhoea.

Smoking: smokers have a higher risk of contracting pyorrhoea than non-smokers. Pyorrhoea in smokers often progresses more rapidly and has a more aggressive course and is less responsive to treatment.

Genetic Predisposition: Some people suffer from periodontal disease despite impeccably performed oral hygiene, while others can boast healthy periodontal structures despite having clusters of tartar and plaque. This is due to the fact that approximately 30% of the population has inherited a gene that predisposes to periodontal disease.

Stress: many scientific studies have shown a correspondence between stress and periodontal disease, probably due to the fact that stress weakens the immune system.

Pregnancy: strong hormonal fluctuations favour the onset of gingivitis and periodontitis.

Particular diseases: especially diabetes and certain forms of rheumatoid arthritis as well as congenital or acquired immune deficiencies (e.g. AIDS).