Periodontal disease or periodontitis refers to a disease condition that occurs around teeth.  It is a serious oral disease that affects a significant percentage of the patients seen at Bass Lake Dental and is the major cause of tooth loss in adults.  Recent research has clearly established that periodontal disease is a risk factor for other important disease conditions including cardiovascular disease, stroke and diabetes.  Because of the overall health implications associated with periodontal disease, Bass Lake Dental places an emphasis on monitoring the periodontal status of our patients and providing treatment options for preventing and controling the disease.  The information presented here describes the causes of periodontal disease, the types of the disease, and the various options available for treating and preventing the disease.