What is Periodontal Disease? – Dental Insurance Healthcare
Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease) is a severe infection that, left untreated, may lead to tooth loss. Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bones supporting the teeth. Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. It begins when the bacteria in plaque cause the gums to become inflamed. If left untreated by a dentist, plaque can spread and grow below the gum line. Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. The toxins stimulate a chronic inflammatory response, and the tissues and bones that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed.