
We’ve all heard of gum disease and gingivitis, but what is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is the term used to describe severe gum disease which has progressed through the early stages of gingivitis and is now more serious. If you imagine your gums hug your teeth, like a tight shirt collar, this is the action of healthy gums.
Gums exist to hug your tooth and protect the root of the tooth from bacteria, plaque, decay and exposure. Healthy gums are tight and snug against the tooth, so no germs can penetrate below. However, gingivitis causes the gum to become puffy, soft and inflamed. Once the gum is unhealthy and infected with gingivitis, it becomes looser and does not hug tightly around the tooth.