Perio means around, and dontal refers to teeth. Periodontal diseases are infections of the structures around the teeth, which include the gums, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. In the earliest stage of periodontal disease â gingivitis â the infection affects the gums. In more severe forms of the disease, all of the tissues are involved. For many years scientists have been trying to figure out what causes periodontal disease. It is now well accepted that various types of bacteria in dental plaque are the major villains. Researchers also are learning more about how an infection in your gums can affect your overall health.
Elephants are large mammals of the family Elephantidae and the order Proboscidea. Three species are recognised, the African bush elephant (Loxodonta africana), the African forest elephant (L. cyclotis), and the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus). Elephants are scattered throughout sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. Elephantidae is the only surviving family of the order Proboscidea; other, now extinct, members of the order include deinotheres, gomphotheres, mammoths, and mastodons.
The other two species, Loxodonta africana and L. cyclotis, are found in Africa. No, Loxodonta is the scientific genus for African elephants. Asian elephants are of the genus elephas, and are closely related to the mammoth.   The full scientific name for the Asian Elephant is Elephas maximus.