lcp
We have detected you are using Internet Explorer. To provide the best and most secure experience, please use a modern browser as we do not support Internet Explorer.

Periodontitis - clinical fact sheet and MCQ

22 July 2025 - Medcast Medical Education Team

Overview 

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the supporting structures of teeth, including the gingiva, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. It is often silent yet causes a progressive destruction of the structures that hold the tooth in the bone. This results in periodontal pocket formation, gingival recession, tooth mobility, and eventual tooth loss. The condition affects approximately 50% of the population and typically progresses slowly, however, acute episodes may necessitate urgent treatment by a dentist.

GPs play an important role in the early identification and management of risk factors for periodontitis, such as age, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and obstructive sleep apnoea. 

Tooth structure and dental plaque formation

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Maecenas eu odio in nibh placerat tempor ac vel mauris. Nunc efficitur sapien at nisl semper dapibus. Nullam tempor eros sed dui aliquam lacinia. Nunc feugiat facilisis ex.

Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia curae; Maecenas mauris nibh, tempus sit amet erat vel, pellentesque maximus ipsum. Suspendisse dui nunc, porta ac ultricies id, sodales eu ante.

Medcast Medical Education Team
Medcast Medical Education Team

The Medcast medical education team is a group of highly experienced, practicing GPs, health professionals and medical writers.

Get Medcast Plus

Become a member and get unlimited access to 100s of hours of premium education.

Learn more
Related News
Common pitfalls in DVA compensation assessments and how to avoid them

Dr Nazha Nazeem

Brand icon

Medical impairment assessment forms are where DVA compensation assessments most often come unstuck. We walk through nine common pitfalls, showing where each one occurs on the forms, how to avoid it, and worked examples from a sample case.

15 mins READ
Living with and beyond cancer: the GPs role - clinical fact sheet and MCQ

Dr Rebecca Chan

Brand icon

GPs play a central role in cancer survivorship care. This practical guide explores coordinated shared care, recurrence monitoring, long-term and late treatment effects, chronic disease management, psychological wellbeing, preventive health and clear pathways for specialist referral.

10 mins READ
Culturally safe cancer survivorship care in general practice - clinical fact sheet and MCQ

Dr Rebecca Chan

Brand icon

Learn how GPs can provide culturally safe, inclusive cancer survivorship care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, rural and remote, LGBTIQA+, and culturally and linguistically diverse patients. Explore practical strategies to reduce barriers, improve engagement and support equitable outcomes.

10 mins READ