[Update on current care guidelines: prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of chronic periodontitis].

Periodontitis is common in the adult Finnish population. Due to the lack of pain and other symptoms, affected patients seldom seek dental care but require attention through the health care system. A careful periodontal screening, including risk assessment, should form part of regular dental check-ups. Individual brushing and interdental cleaning instructions, as well as tobacco counselling, are important in both the prevention and treatment of periodontitis. When detecting early signs of periodontitis, periodontal treatment, including the necessary maintenance visits, is crucial in preventing the severe form of the disease and its harmful consequences for the patient's dentition and general health.