Because gum infections usually do not hurt, it is often recognized and treated too late. If the inflammation also affects the jaw bone and is lost (periodontal disease), teeth and molars can become loose. Gingivitis is just as much of a threat to your teeth as tooth decay (cavities).
The periodontium surrounds the teeth and molars. This consists of gums, fibers and jawbone. Together these form the supporting tissue of the teeth. The space between the root of the tooth and the gums should not be deeper than 3 mm. There are bacteria in the mouth that can accumulate in this space and cause so-called 'pockets'.
Pockets are spaces deeper than 3 mm that become deeper as the inflammation continues to develop, resulting in teeth and molars becoming loose because the supporting tissue is broken down from the inside by the bacteria. This is an insidious process and often does not cause any complaints. Would you like more information about oral hygiene and how you can prevent gum problems?