Periodontal diseases also known as gum disease, are some of the most common diseases in the United States.

In fact, more than 70% of American adults over age 35 have some form of periodontal diseases. Despite the number of people infected with these types of diseases, most believe they don't have them. In a recent survey, 8 out of 10 Americans believe they did not have periodontal disease, but 7 out of 10 exhibited one or more symptoms.

Periodontal diseases are painless until their advanced stages (as it doesn't involve the nerve inside the
tooth) If left untreated periodontal diseases can result in bad breath, red, swollen and bleeding gums, and eventually tooth loss. In fact, periodontal disease are the leading cause of tooth loss.

The majority of people do not even realize that they have periodontal disease. Periodontal disease (also known as gum disease) is a bacterial infection of the gums, bone & periodontal ligament (attachment fibers that support the teeth and hold them in the jaw).

Symptoms can include:

• persistent bad breath
• gums that bleed after brushing
• red, tender and swollen gums
• gums that have pulled away from the teeth
• loose or separating teeth
• puss between the gum and the tooth
• change in the way teeth fit together when you bite

Periodontal disease can be diagnosed and treated by your dentist/periodontist. A periodontist is a specialist with advanced training in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structure of the teeth.