Gum disease, also known as gingivitis and periodontitis, is a disease that affects the gum and bones around the teeth.
These are the support structures for your teeth.
Gum disease is often caused by bacteria under the gum tissues that becomes attached to the roots of the teeth, similar to barnacles on a boat. If left unchecked, gum disease can cause substantial bone and gum loss leading to tooth loss and has been linked to systemic diseases (such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and alzheimers).
Periodontists are trained at identifying all the various forms of gum disease and providing both non-surgical, laser, and surgical therapy to bring back the gum and overall health.