Periodontal Disease is an infection that affects the tissues and bone that support teeth.   In a healthy mouth gum tissue is pink, firm, not enlarged and fits like a cuff around each tooth.  When plaque  is not removed from the tooth surface it can harden  into rough deposits called tartar or calculus.  The pores in tartar/calculus hold bacteria and toxins which cause inflammation to the gum tissue.  Gum tissue may look red, swollen and bleed easily.  The inflammation can be painless but will damage the attachment of the gums and bone to the teeth causing pockets to form between the gum and teeth.  Bacteria will live in these deep pockets resulting in further destruction of gum attachment to the teeth.  If left untreated periodontal disease may lead to tooth loss.

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