Recent research from the Centers for Disease Control estimate that 64 million Americans have some form of periodontal disease . O ftentimes, noticeable symptoms of periodontal disease do not appear until the disease is at an advanced stage, so many do not even know they are affected!

Some signs to look for include:

Red, swollen, or sensitive gums

Bleeding while brushing or flossing, or even when eating particular foods

Receding gums, exposing the root of the tooth

Loose or shifting teeth

Pus in the pocket between your tooth and gum

Persistent bad breath

A change in the way your teeth bite together

Periodontal disease is caused when bacteria in plaque (a sticky, colorless film) builds up on the teeth and underneath the gums. If the plaque is not removed thoroughly, the amount of bacteria increases and cause the gums to become inflamed.

If this inflammation is not treated, it can progress and cause the destruction of the gums and the supporting bone structure. This can lead to gum recession and tooth loss.