Technical terms about prevention and oral hygiene beginning with P

Periodontitis – Inflammation of the periodontium with loss of bone. It does not hurt for a long time and is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults. Gingivitis Periodontal pocket Periodontal pocket cleaning

Peri-implantitis – Inflammation around an implant with loss of the surrounding bone. The bone that has been lost does not come back; treatable, but demanding. The preceding stage is called peri-implant mucositis and is reversible. Mucositis Periodontitis Glycine

Plaque – Soft, tooth-coloured deposit of bacteria and their excretions. It can be removed with a brush – after about 24 hours it begins to harden. Biofilm Tartar

Polishing – The last step of the cleaning. A smooth surface gives new deposits less to hold on to. Professional tooth cleaning

Professional tooth cleaning – The thorough cleaning of all tooth surfaces at the practice, including the interdental spaces and the area just below the gum line. As a rule a private service. Polishing Fluoridation Oral hygiene

PSI – Periodontal Screening Index. The gum findings in grades from 0 to 4 for each section of the jaw. From grade 3 – pockets deeper than 3.5 millimetres – the suspicion of periodontitis begins. A health insurance service every two years. Probing depth Periodontitis Bleeding index

Air-polishing jet – A fine jet of air, water and powder removes discolouration and soft deposits – including where hand instruments cannot reach. Professional tooth cleaning Glycine Erythritol