Periodontal disease is gum disease that threatens your oral health. Gum disease can range in severity from simple gum inflammation called gingivitis to conditions that damage the bone. Gum disease is extremely common, as about 80 percent of adults in the United States have some form of the disorder.

You probably have gingivitis if your gums are red and swollen and they bleed easily. Gingivitis usually gets better if you brush and floss every day and see your dentist regularly. If you do not treat gingivitis, you may develop periodontitis, in which the gums pull away from the teeth and form infected pockets. When periodontitis is left untreated, the underlying bones, gums, and connective tissues can be permanently damaged or destroyed, and eventually you may lose your teeth.

Gingivitis is caused by bacteria that occur normally in the mouth. Along with mucus and other particles, the bacteria form plaque, which sticks to your teeth. Plaque that is not removed by brushing and flossing hardens and becomes tartar, which is filled with bacteria. Normal brushing does not remove tartar; it can be removed only with a professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist. In extreme situations, you may need medication, surgery, or bone and tissue grafts to treat gum disease or the damage it causes.

There are certain risk factors that increase the likelihood that you’ll develop gum disease. These include smoking, hormonal changes in girls and women, some illnesses, stress, some medications, and genetic susceptibility. People who have rheumatoid arthritis may also be at increased risk of gum disease.

ADDITIONAL FACTS

  1. Gum disease may contribute to health problems in areas other than the mouth, including increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke.
  2. Usually, people do not develop gum disease until they are in their thirties or forties. Men are more prone to gum disease than women are.
  3. In pregnant women, gum disease has been associated with the risk of delivering preterm or low-birth-weight babies.