Periodontitis in focus:

What you should know about this silent epidemic

In this article , Dr. James Belcher, dentist on the PerioTrap team , explains why periodontitis so often goes unnoticed, what role the natural microbiome plays, and how you can protect your gums early on.

What might you not yet know about periodontitis?

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammation of the tooth-supporting structures – that is, the gums, the connective tissue, and the jawbone that anchors the teeth in the jaw. It usually develops from untreated gingivitis, which is triggered by a bacterial imbalance.

But what many people don't know: More than 700 different strains of bacteria live in your mouth. So how can an infection and inflammation occur? The trigger is a shift in the oral microbiome: Harmful bacteria like Porphyromonas gingivalis gain the upper hand, while protective microorganisms are pushed back.

The insidious thing about it is that periodontitis is often painless, but in the long term leads to receding gums, bone loss and eventually tooth loss.

When your body begins to retreat

Normally, your immune system responds to invaders like harmful bacteria with inflammation – a planned, short-term defense mechanism that contains germs and protects tissue. This reaction is also initially beneficial in the case of incipient periodontal inflammation.

However, in periodontitis, this balance is disrupted: Certain bacteria – primarily Porphyromonas gingivalis – multiply disproportionately and alter the composition of the oral microbiome. This shift (dysbiosis) leads to the formation of a stable biofilm in which harmful bacteria work closely together and protect each other.

The goal of modern concepts is therefore to professionally remove the dysbiotic biofilm and then promote recolonization towards a stable, symbiotic biofilm – a biofilm that reduces inflammation and protects the tissue.

Who is affected – and why it should concern you

The risk of periodontitis increases significantly from around the age of 35, but younger adults can also be affected. Risk factors include inadequate oral hygiene, smoking, diabetes, and a genetic predisposition.

However, periodontitis doesn't just affect the mouth: studies show links to cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, arthritis, and even Alzheimer's. The reason: pro-inflammatory bacteria and their toxins can enter other organs via the bloodstream and promote additional inflammatory processes there.

Read more about periodontitis and health

Microbiome: Your invisible protective shield

The mouth is home to a complex microbiome with over 700 species of bacteria living together in a finely tuned biofilm. In a balanced (eubiotic) state, these microorganisms keep pathogens in check and support the regulation of the immune system – a true “symbiotic community” between microbes and host.

However, if this system becomes unbalanced (dysbiosis), opportunistic bacteria such as Porphyromonas gingivalis gain space to proliferate. The biofilm hardens, protecting the pathogens and triggering chronic inflammatory reactions that, in the long term, damage the gums and bone.

Conventional treatments such as chlorhexidine or broad-spectrum antibiotics have a broad effect – they destroy not only harmful but also beneficial bacteria. This can impair important protective functions, which weakens the resilience of the microbiome in the long term.

Science & Selectivity: The new generation of gum care

Research into gum health has made great strides. Besides classic antiseptic agents like chlorhexidine or CPC – which reduce germs but also harm beneficial bacteria – broad-spectrum antibiotics are now rarely used, as they carry the risk of resistance and severe disruption of the microbiome.

Modern approaches increasingly focus on selectivity . These include microbiome-modulating substances that support beneficial bacteria, as well as plant-based or enzymatic ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties. Pathoblockers are also gaining increasing attention: they do not kill bacteria, but rather selectively block disease-causing mechanisms of individual pathogens.

This selective approach protects the natural microbiome while simultaneously reducing the risk of chronic inflammation. One example is the targeted blockade of P. gingivalis virulence factors – a guiding principle that also underlies PerioTrap® technology.

Read more about the products and ingredients

Daily care for healthy gums

PerioTrap® Microbiome Toothpaste: Gentle, selective and designed for strong teeth and a balanced microbiome – every day.

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