Periodontal (Gum) Disease

Cosmetic Dentistry Slideshow

• Periodontal (Gum) Disease Overview
• Periodontal (Gum) Disease Causes
• Periodontal (Gum) Disease Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests
• Periodontal (Gum) Disease Treatment
• Self-Care at Home
• Medical Treatment
• Next Steps
• Prevention
• For More Information
• Web Links
• Multimedia
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors

Periodontal (Gum) Disease Overview

Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that support the teeth.

Teeth are supported by the gums, or gingiva. A tooth's root is anchored to its socket by fibers called periodontal ligaments.

The gums do not attach to the teeth as firmly as one might think. A shallow, V-shaped gap called a sulcus exists between the teeth and the gums. Periodontal disease affects this gap. Eventually, in periodontal disease, the tissues supporting the tooth break down. If only the gums are involved in this breakdown, the disease is called gingivitis. If only the connecting tissues and bone are involved, it is called periodontitis.