The mouth is an amazing microcosm of bacteria living in the oral tissue. The bacteria mostly function in perfect harmony with the tissues of the mouth, but sometimes the sour note, which is a parodontal disease, interferes with the harmony.

Periodontal disease is a term that includes various conditions affecting the areas around the teeth. The phrase comes from the Latin word “peri,” which means around and the Greek word “odont,” which means teeth. The term used to describe the study of the teeth is called periodontology and the supporting structures around them. Periodontics is the dental specialty dedicated to the prevention and treatment of periodontal disease.

The group of diseases that fall under periodontal disease all have the same end results, inflammation of the gums (gingivitis), destruction of the periodontal ligament, loss of bone support, and finally tooth loss. Of the people who develop gingivitis, 10-15% will develop more advanced periodontal disease. About 70% of the people who develop more advanced forms of periodontal disease will develop the chronic form of the disease that worsens as the patient ages. The other 30% will develop different forms and patterns of disease. Continue reading How Will You Know You Have A Gum Disease? →