What it is:
Gum disease is an infection of the tissues and bones that surround and support the teeth. There are two stages of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis, a mild gum disease, only affects the gums or the tissue surrounding the teeth. Periodontitis, a severe gum disease, damages the tissues and bones that support the teeth.

Causes:
Plaque is a bacterial film that forms continuously around the teeth. By not removing plaque properly, it can spread below the gums and damage the bones that support the teeth. In time, plaque hardens into tartar. The bacteria in the plaque make poisons that irritate the gums and cause gum tissues to break down.

What to look for/symptoms:
Gingivitis: Red, swollen and tender gums or gums that bleed easily while brushing and flossing.

Periodontitis: Gums that pull away or shrink from teeth, bad breath that will not go away, pus coming from the gums, a change in how teeth fit together when you bite or loose teeth.

Treatment:
Gingivitis: Brush and floss every day, and schedule regular cleanings at the dentist’s office.

Periodontitis: Your dentist can use a method called root planning and scaling, which removes plaque and tartar buildup above and below the gum line. Antibiotics may need to be taken to get rid of infection in the mouth. Surgery may be needed for the most severe cases.

Factors that put you at risk:
• Do not clean teeth well
• Smoke or chew tobacco
• Have a family history of gum disease
• Have a condition that weakens immune system and makes it harder to fight infection such as uncontrolled diabetes, AIDS or leukemia
• High level of stress
• Poor diet and nutrition

Prevention:
• Brush teeth at least two times per day using a tartar control toothpaste containing fluoride
• Floss teeth once per day
• Use an antiseptic or anti-plaque mouthwash every day
• Chew sugar-free gum or carefully use a toothpick after meals if unable to brush teeth right away
• Quit using tobacco products
• Get regular dental check-ups and teeth cleanings

Mouth-body connection:
According to the American Academy of Periodontology, infections in the mouth can wreak havoc elsewhere in the body. Research has demonstrated that inflammation may link periodontal disease to other chronic inflammatory conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s disease.

Sources: http://www.WebMD.com, American Academy of Periodontology: http://www.perio.org