Periodontitis is a chronic infectious disease caused by dental plaque microorganisms, which primarily damages the periodontal supporting tissues (including the gingiva, periodontal ligament, alveolar bone, and cementum), leading to symptoms such as gingival redness, swelling, bleeding, periodontal pocket formation, alveolar bone resorption, and tooth loosening or loss. The early symptoms of this disease are often subtle and easily overlooked, while advanced stages can result in irreversible damage. According to the Fourth National Oral Health Epidemiological Survey (2017), the detection rate of gingival bleeding among adults aged 35–44 in China is as high as 87.4%, and the detection rate of deep periodontal pockets (≥6 mm) is 6.9%. Among those aged 55–64, the detection rate of periodontal attachment loss (≥4 mm) is nearly 70%[1]. Adults over 35 are a high-risk group for periodontitis, with a higher prevalence among males than females, and smokers face a significantly increased risk[2].
Periodontitis is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults in China, severely affecting chewing function and quality of life. Its harm extends beyond the oral cavity: periodontal pathogens and inflammatory factors can enter the bloodstream, establishing a bidirectional relationship with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases (such as atherosclerosis), thereby increasing the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke. At the same time, individuals with diabetes have a higher incidence of periodontitis and experience faster disease progression[3]. Alveolar bone resorption is difficult to regenerate naturally, and patients in advanced stages often require the extraction of loosened teeth. This poses a serious challenge to the World Health Organization's "8020 goal" (retaining 20 healthy teeth at the age of 80)[4].
Reference:
1.Fourth National Oral Health Epidemiological Survey Report (2017)
https://www.nhc.gov.cn/jkj/c100062/201709/0eb0bac9229d40eea958b0d73c8817f7.shtml
2.Shenzhen Oral Health Epidemiological Survey Report (2025)
http://wjw.sz.gov.cn/attachment/1/1578/1578939/6833800.pdf
3.Analysis of the Relationship Between Periodontitis and Systemic Health
http://ynswsjkw.yn.gov.cn/html/2023/xuanchuankejiao_0731/17691.html
4."Chinese Multidisciplinary Expert Consensus on Maintaining Periodontal Health" (2021)
http://www.cndent.com/archives/664
