Periodontal disease

It is the leading cause of tooth loss among American adults and is the most common disease in the world. It is an infection of the gums, and ultimately the bone, caused by bacteria that have become embedded around the roots of teeth.
This bacterial infection causes the gums to become swollen, tender and inflamed; and causes separation of the gums from the teeth creating gum pockets.
This infection of the gum and bone results in destruction of the bone that holds the teeth in place and ultimately can result in the loss of teeth.