Periodontitis

Radiograph showing bone loss between the two roots of a tooth (black region). The spongy bone has receded due to infection under tooth, reducing the bony support for the tooth.

Periodontitis is a set of diseases which usually attack the tissues surrounding the teeth. Periodontitis in comparison with Gingivitis is a more severe inflammation, because not only it affects the tissues, but also, it affects the bottom of the teeth. If it is not treated at all, it may lead to a loss of teeth.

The word "periodontitis" comes from peri ("around"), odont ("tooth") and -itis ("redness").

Reports

Periodontitis doesn't just affect the gums and teeth, but reports have stated that it may increase risk of stroke.^[1]^[2] It is also related to memory problems for those over 60 years of age.^[3]

References

↑ Pussinen PJ, Alfthan G, Jousilahti P, Paju S, Tuomilehto J. (2007). Systemic exposure to Porphyromonas gingivalis predicts incident stroke. Atherosclerosis. 193(1):222-8. PMID 16872615
↑ Pussinen PJ, Alfthan G, Rissanen H, Reunanen A, Asikainen S, Knekt P. (2004). Antibodies to periodontal pathogens and stroke risk. Stroke. 35(9):2020-3.PMID 15232116
↑ Noble JM, Borrell LN, Papapanou PN, Elkind MS, Scarmeas N, Wright CB. (2009). Periodontitis is associated with cognitive impairment among older adults: analysis of NHANES-III. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 80(11):1206–11. PMID 19419981

This short article about biology can be made longer. You can help Wikipedia by adding to it.

[1] Pussinen PJ, Alfthan G, Jousilahti P, Paju S, Tuomilehto J. (2007). Systemic exposure to Porphyromonas gingivalis predicts incident stroke. Atherosclerosis. 193(1):222-8. PMID 16872615

[2] Pussinen PJ, Alfthan G, Rissanen H, Reunanen A, Asikainen S, Knekt P. (2004). Antibodies to periodontal pathogens and stroke risk. Stroke. 35(9):2020-3.PMID 15232116

[3] Noble JM, Borrell LN, Papapanou PN, Elkind MS, Scarmeas N, Wright CB. (2009). Periodontitis is associated with cognitive impairment among older adults: analysis of NHANES-III. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 80(11):1206–11. PMID 19419981

[1]

[2]

[3]