Gum disease

Untreated gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is linked to other systemic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Periodontal means “around the tooth” and is a common inflammatory condition which affects the supporting and surrounding soft tissues of the tooth and jawbone. Periodontal disease first starts out as gingivitis which is a bacterial infection of the gum tissue.

A bacterial infection affects the gums when the toxins contained in plaque begin to irritate and inflame the gum tissues. Once this bacterial infection starts growing in the gum pockets between the teeth, it becomes much more difficult to remove and treat. Periodontal disease is a progressive condition that eventually leads to the destruction of the gum tissue and jawbone. If left untreated, it can lead to shifting teeth, loose teeth and eventually tooth loss. Over 30 million Indian have lost all of their teeth. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults in the developed world and should always be promptly treated.