What is gum disease or periodontal infection? Periodontal disease is a low grade gum infection that you usually do not feel, similar to having high blood pressure or diabetes.
Over 80% of adults have some form of periodontal disease.
It slowly eats away at the bone supporting your teeth and eventually your teeth become so loose that they are lost.
Periodontal disease is the main cause of tooth loss in adults. It also penetrates into your gums and into your blood stream
and causes double the risk of heart disease and triple the risk of causing a stroke. Periodontal treatment will improve your overall health and help to save your teeth.

Why you need to treat it now, rather than later.
People consider gum disease in terms of their teeth, yet they do not think about the fact that gum disease is a serious infection which can release bacteria into the bloodstream. Recent studies have shown that people with periodontal disease are 2.7 times more likely to suffer heart disease, and three times the risk of having a stroke. How Does An “Ongoing Infection” Work?
When you were a child, did you ever get a bad scrape that got all red and swollen? That was bacteria that got under your skin and caused an infection. It may have lasted for days or weeks. Finally your immune system conquered the bad bacteria and the infection healed. With periodontal disease, your immune system never wins the battle and the infection grows. Periodontal Disease is an ongoing infection in the pockets around your teeth. Your immune system is losing the battle and, without treatment, it will get worse; leading to tooth loss, increased risk of heart disease and increased risk of getting a stroke.
What increases your risk of periodontal disease?
People with Periodontal Disease cannot fight off the bacterial infection. This causes a continuing gum infection that grows in “bursts” of activity. Each time it grows, more support for your teeth is lost. Some factors which can cause gum disease are:

1. Poor Oral Hygiene.
2. Dental Plaque.
3. Smoking.
4. Genetic Factors.
5. Stress or Tension.
6. Diet.
7. Age.
8. Illness (i.e. diabetes)
9. Medication

Symptoms of Periodontal Infection
Usually Periodontal Infection is painless until it reaches more advanced stages. However there are some symptoms which can indicate the presence of Periodontal Infection.

These include:

1. Red or swollen gums
2. Bleeding when brushing (pink toothbrush) or at other times
3. Aching, itchy, sore or tender gums
4. Receding gums (teeth beginning to look longer)
5. Bad breath
6. Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
7. Loose, separating or protruding teeth
8. Spaces between teeth

If you notice any of the above warning signs of periodontal infection, please contact your general dentist and ask for a periodontal evaluation.

Your gums can look quite normal and yet deep pockets of periodontal infection can be present. To be certain about periodontal disease, ask your dentist to examine your gums for signs of infection.