Periodontal is a word meaning “around the tooth.” Periodontal
disease is a condition in which the tissue (gums, deeper
supporting tissue, and bone) around a tooth or teeth become
infected and inflamed. Periodontal disease includes both
gingivitis and periodontitis. Periodontal disease is caused by
an overgrowth of the bacteria that live naturally in the mouth.
These bacteria are responsible for the sticky white substance
that develops on teeth called plaque. When plaque stays on a
tooth long enough, it hardens into a solid material called
calculus or tartar. This material is much more difficult to
remove from teeth than plaque. Over time, the presence of
calculus causes gum inflammation or gingivitis. Gingivitis is a
more mild form of periodontal disease, affecting the gums. It is
almost always reversible with appropriate treatment. If
gingivitis is not halted through careful treatment, then the
inflammation may spread below the gum line, affecting the deeper
tissues and bone that surround and support the tee