What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease – better known as gum disease – is a bacterial infection that attacks the tissue surrounding your teeth. It can result in symptoms such as swollen or bleeding gums, chronic bad breath or even, in severe cases, tooth loss.
When we think of oral health, most of us think of teeth. The gums, however, are just as important. In fact, research has shown that those with gum disease have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular issues as well as chronic conditions like diabetes or COPD.

This is just one reason why dentists advise you to brush not only your teeth but your gums, too!

Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

If you experience any of the following, you may suffer from periodontal disease:

• Bleeding gums
• Soft, tender gums
• Painful chewing
• Bad breath
• Receding gums (teeth appear longer than before)
• Loose teeth
• Causes of Periodontal Disease
• Gum disease is often the result of poor oral hygiene. When we don’t brush and floss regularly, plaque is allowed to build up. Plaque is a thin layer of bacteria, and this bacteria can spread to the gums and cause gingivitis (the simplest type of gum disease).