Periodontal means "around the tooth" and most victims are unaware that they have this disease because it is painless. However it affects almost 75 percent of the population. Gum diseases, including gingivitis, are serious infections that when left untreated can lead to tooth loss. Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection and it also affects bone supporting teeth.

This disease can affect one tooth or several teeth, and it typically begins when the bacteria in plaque causes the gums to become inflamed. The main cause of periodontal disease is bacterial plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. The American Dental Association provides a list of warning signs for periodontal gu disease. Here are some common symptoms:

1.Gums bleed when you brush your teeth 2.Gums are red, swollen and tender 3.Gums have pulled away (receded) from the teeth. 4.There is puss between teeth and gums when gums are pressed. 5.Permanent teeth are loose or separating. 6.There is a change in the way teeth fit when biting. 7.Changes in the fit of partial dentures. 8.Persistent bad breath.

If you have one or more of any of the above warning signs, you should bring it to the attention of your dentist or hygienist.

How do people get periodontal disease? According to one southern California dentist, "There can be a number of factors; however there is one big reason and that is poor hygiene. If you don't take care of your teeth and brush and floss them properly on a daily basis, your teeth and gums suffer. Left untreated it can lead to loss of teeth," said Dr. Bijan Afar. "Chronic periodontitis is more prevalent in adults, resulting in inflammation within the supporting tissues of the teeth, progressive attachment and bone loss. Gum disease is typically characterized by pocket formations and recession of the gingival.

There are any number of reasons why people are more prone to periodontal disease including these factors: Smoking; genetics, clenching or grinding teeth, pregnancy and puberty, stress, diabetes, medications, poor nutrition, and other systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, or other health issues that interfere with the body's immune system, which often worsens the condition of the gums. What's more, researchers have found links between obesity and periodontal disease

Most periodontists will recommend periodontal surgery if the tissue around your teeth is unhealthy and cannot be repaired non-surgically. There are basically four kinds of treatments that periodontists prescribe. If it's too late and you have lost teeth because of periodontal disease, there are options sucvh as dental implants, which is permanent tooth replacement.

Pocket reduction: Regeneration procedures: Crowns: Soft Gum Tissue Grafts; Pocket Reduction Proceedures; Regenerative Procedures; Lengthening of crowns and Soft Tissue Grafts. If you've already lost a tooth to periodontal disease, you may be interested in dental implants - the permanent tooth replacement option.