Usually, healthy teeth are firmly anchored and do not come loose, because teeth require a firm foundation for a strong bite. An essential prerequisite for an esthetically and functionally intact periodontium is good dental hygiene. If plaque is not regularly and thoroughly removed, bacteria may colonize the jaw, destroy tissues and may ultimately cause diseases of the periodontium (periodontitis). Many adults, not only older patients, are affected by this inflammatory disease which, if left untreated, may result in tooth loss.
In many cases people do not even notice the initial warning signs, such as bleeding gums or swelling.
