Gum disease is a major cause of tooth loss and a challenge to treat. Now, new research suggests why silicon nitride - and ceramic material used in spinal implants - could lead to effective, new types of gum disease treatment.

Periodontitis is a serious, chronic, non-communicable gum disease that damages the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. Estimates suggest it affects 15-20% of middle-aged (35-44 years) adults. The disease begins when the bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis infects the tissue around the teeth, giving rise to gum inflammation. If this is not treated, the condition progresses and the bacteria begin to eat away the bone around the teeth.

The disease begins when the bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis infects the tissue around the teeth, giving rise to gum inflammation. If this is not treated, the condition progresses and the bacteria begin to eat away the bone around the teeth.

Having untreated gum disease does not only lead to tooth loss, but it also raises the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Treatment options include deep cleansing - such as scaling and root planing - to remove the built-up plaque that harbors bacteria, plus antibiotics and surgery.