Gum Disease

A serious gum infection that damages gums and can destroy the jawbone. Periodontitis or periodontal disease, begins with bacterial growth in your mouth and may end -- if not properly treated -- with tooth loss due to destruction of the tissue that surrounds your teeth.

Symptoms include swollen, red, and tender gums.Treatment includes professionally cleaning the pockets around teeth to prevent damage to surrounding bone. Advanced cases may require surgery.

Here are some warning signs that can signal a problem:

• gums that bleed easily

• red, swollen, tender gums

• gums that have pulled away from the teeth

• persistent bad breath or bad taste

• permanent teeth that are loose or separating

• any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

• any change in the fit of partial dentures

Some factors increase the risk of developing gum disease. They are:

• poor oral hygiene

• smoking or chewing tobacco

• genetics

• crooked teeth that are hard to keep clean

• pregnancy

• diabetes

• medications, including steroids, certain types of anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, some calcium channel blockers and oral contraceptives