Sometimes called gum disease or periodontitis, periodontal disease occurs when the tissue that protects and supports your teeth becomes infected. Approximately 8.5 percent of Americans age 20 to 64 suffer from periodontal disease, reports the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Resource Center.

Causes

Periodontal disease begins with deposits of particles of food known as plaque, which over time hardens to form tartar. The tartar irritates your gums, which leads to inflammation and pockets that eventually become infected with bacteria.

Types

Periodontal disease begins with gingivitis or the inflammation of your gums. As the pockets form and your gum line begins to recede, the condition is known as periodontitis.

Symptoms

Symptoms of periodontal disease include swollen red or purple gums, tenderness around your teeth, new spaces or pus developing between your teeth, bad breath, loose teeth, or changes in the way your teeth look or fit together.

Risks

Untreated periodontal disease can cause tooth loss. Additionally, the infection increases your risk of stroke, coronary artery disease, diabetes or respiratory problems, warns the Mayo Clinic.

Treatment

A thorough cleaning, antibiotics and support for loose teeth are typical treatments for periodontal disease, explains Medline Plus. Periodontists (dental gum specialists) may also use surgery to reattach your gums to your teeth and remove any pockets.

Prevention

Brushing your teeth twice per day, flossing daily and visiting a dentist twice per year help prevent periodontal disease, reports the Mayo Clinic.

Source:

Mayo Clinic: Periodontitis

MedlinePlus: Periodontitis

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Resource Center: Statistics