Periodontitis

Periodontitis, also called periodontal disease, is a serious bacterial infection of the gums and the structures that support the teeth. It begins when plaque and tartar accumulate below the gumline, triggering chronic inflammation that causes the gums to pull away from the teeth and form infected pockets. As the disease advances, it destroys the bone and connective tissue anchoring your teeth, causing them to loosen and eventually fall out. Common symptoms include red or swollen gums, bleeding when brushing or flossing, persistent bad breath, gum recession, and tooth sensitivity. Risk factors include smoking, diabetes, dry mouth, and poor oral hygiene. Treatment ranges from a deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing to surgical intervention, depending on the severity of the infection.