WHAT IS PERIODONTAL DISEASE?
Your gums are an important foundation for your teeth and provide stability for ALL of your dental work—so it’s important to keep them healthy. Periodontal disease is the most common chronic bacterial infection in adults, and if not treated properly, it can spread rapidly throughout your entire foundation.
This sometimes silent infection occurs when harmful bacteria grow beneath the gums and create "pockets"-spaces or gaps in the gums around the teeth. Left untreated, periodontal bacteria can lead to bone and tooth loss that can threaten your foundation-and overall health.
The facts about periodontal disease
Periodontal disease is a persistent bacterial infection that:
- Attacks the gums and bones that hold the teeth in place
- Can return and spread if left untreated
- May lead to surgery or tooth loss
- Affects 3 out of 4 American adults
Now that you have a better understanding of periodontal disease, learn more about its symptoms.