Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth.
- Normal, Healthy gingiva (Gums)
healthy gums and bone anchor teeth firmly in place.
- Gingivitis
Plaque and its by products irritate the gums, making them tender, inflamed and likely to bleed.
- Periodontitis
Unremoved plaque hardens into calculus (tartar). As plaque and calculus continue to build up, the gums begin to recede (pulls away) from the teeth and pockets from between the teeth and gums.
- Advanced Periodontitis
The gums recede farther, destroying more bone and the periodontal ligamen. Even healthy teeth may become loose and need to be extracted.
