General Health Information

Periodontal disease is an infection that is caused by bacteria in your oral cavity and is commonly referred to as gum disease. The most simple form of the periodontal diseases is gingivitis and is characterized by an inflammation and reddened gums which tend to bleed during brushing or when chewing hard foods such as corn on the cob or fruit. Serious periodontal disease occurs when the infection spreads below the gum line and starts dissolving the gums and teeth. Given enough time and without proper treatment, it will cause the teeth to fall out and may even affect the jaw bone. However, there also appears to be a solid link between heart disease and periodontal disease.