Periodontal diseases (diseases of the gum, including gingivitis and periodontitis) are serious infections of one or many teeth that can lead to tooth loss. Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection affecting the gums and the bones supporting the teeth. The word periodontal means "around the tooth."

In the early stages of periodontal disease, your gums may be red and bleed easily. This is the stage called gingivitis, and is usually due to inadequate oral hygiene. Paying more attention to brushing and flossing your teeth, and regular visits to your dentist, can reverse this condition.

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Left untreated, gingivitis advances to periodontitis. As plaque spreads and grows below your gum line, the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums, breaking down and destroying tissue and bone. As a result, your gums separate from your teeth, forming infected spaces between the teeth and gums. As the infection progresses, these spaces destroy more gum and bone. Although you may have very mild symptoms, the sad truth is that your teeth will eventually become loose and require removal.

Unfortunately, losing your teeth is not the only eventuality with periodontitis. Studies show a clear correlation between gum disease and heart disease, highlighting the fact that people with gum disease have a 25 percent greater risk of heart disease than those with healthy gums. Although scientists have just begun to understand how one disease affects another, they now believe that inflammatory gum disease releases pro-inflammatory chemicals into the bloodstream, triggering a systemic inflammatory response. In other words, inflammation in one area of the body can cause inflammation in another. Additionally, people with poor oral health that includes missing and decayed teeth tend to suffer from poor nutrition, because eating a nutritious diet high in fiber, fruits and vegetables is more difficult. This too can affect heart health...

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