What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal (PERRY-o-DON-tal) disease — also called gum disease — is an infection and inflammation that affects the tissues and bone that support your teeth.

Warning Signs of Gum Disease

• • gums that bleed when you brush or floss

• • gums that are red, swollen, puffy, or tender

• • gums that no longer hug your teeth tightly

• • bad breath that doesn’t go away

• • pus between your teeth and gums

• • feeling that your teeth are loose

• • a change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

• • a change in the way your partial dentures fit

Periodontal Probing

Periodontal probe of healthy gums.

Periodontal probe showing space forming between the tooth root and the gums. Dentists call this a pocket.

Bone Loss

Radiograph showing supporting bone.

Radiograph showing periodontal bone loss.

Plaque that is not removed between the teeth and on the gum line can cause the gums to become red, puffy, and swollen.

Image ©Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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