Funding granted

Periodontitis is a common inflammatory oral disease that affects the supporting structures of the teeth (gums and bone). It is also linked to other diseases such as diabetes and artherosclerosis (thickening of the artery walls), making it a significant problem in dental patient care.

It is an irreversible condition and a common cause of tooth loss with 30 per cent of the UK population suffering from the disease, 10 per cent severely. Those with periodontitis often have poorer physical, psychological and social quality of life measures compared to healthy individuals. It is also linked to conditions such as heart disease and arthritis.

During the disease process the bone and soft tissue that hold teeth in place are destroyed – teeth become loose and eventually fall out.

As well as being unpleasant for the patient, periodontitis is time consuming and expensive to treat. As a result, it is crucial that a way is found to prevent the disease, assess its risks and ensure early detection.