What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, commonly referred to as gum disease, is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the tissues that support your teeth, including the gums and the jawbone. It begins as gingivitis, a milder form characterized by red and swollen gums.
If left untreated, it can escalate to periodontitis, where the gums pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that become infected. As the disease progresses to advanced periodontitis, it can result in tooth loss and has been linked to other systemic health problems like heart disease and diabetes.