Periodontal Disease

What is Gum Disease?

If left to accumulate, the bacteria in plaque can encourage inflammation of your gums. If this inflammation is left untreated it can result in gum disease. Gum disease is characterized by your gum and bone receding from the around your teeth, forming pockets. Food and debris can collect in these pockets developing more bacteria and causing infection. Two things can happen beyond this stage: the gum and bone continue to degenerate releasing their hold and your teeth, allowing them to become loose, possibly falling out. Also, the bacteria can migrate through other parts of your body, introducing further infection and disease.