What is Periodontal (Gum) Disease?
Periodontal disease or periodontitis is a bacterially induced, localized, chronic inflammatory disease that destroys the connective tissue and bone that supports the teeth. Periodontitis is common, with mild to moderate forms affecting 30% to 50% of adults and the severe form affecting 5% to 15% of all adults in the United States. If left untreated periodontal disease results in loose, unstable teeth and eventually tooth loss.