what is periodontitis disease

Periodontitis, also known as gum disease, is a serious bacterial infection that attacks the gums and the surrounding tissues. It is caused by poor oral hygiene, which allows plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, to build up on teeth surfaces. If not cleaned properly, bacteria can travel beneath the gum line, where toothbrushes and floss cannot reach, and erode the tissues that support teeth, leading to infection, bone loss, and tooth loss. Periodontitis is common, affecting almost half of all adults in the United States. Symptoms of periodontitis include swollen or puffy gums, gums that bleed easily, bad breath, loose teeth or loss of teeth, and painful chewing. If left untreated, periodontitis can destroy the bone that supports teeth, leading to tooth loss and other serious health complications. Risk factors for periodontitis include poor oral hygiene, smoking or chewing tobacco, hormonal changes, and certain health conditions that cause inflammation in the body. Treatment for periodontitis includes professional cleaning, scaling and root planing, and in severe cases, surgery. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing regularly, to prevent periodontitis.