What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection. It affects the tissues and bone that support the teeth.
Healthy gum tissue fit like a cuff around each tooth. When someone has periodontal disease, the gum tissue pulls away from the tooth. As the disease gets worse, the tissue and bone that support the tooth are damaged. Over time, teeth may fall out or need to be removed. Treating periodontal disease in the early stages can help prevent tooth loss.

Periodontal Disease and Whole Body Health

Periodontal disease has been linked to some other diseases. People with diabetes or heart disease are more likely to get periodontal disease. Strokes and high stress also may related to periodontal disease. Researchers are still studying these links.