Periodontal Disease, or more commonly gum disease, is an infection of the tissue that supports your teeth. Your teeth are not attached to your gums as closely as one would think. In between the tooth and the gums is a crevice called the sulcus. This is were periodontal diseases attack. This causes the tissues that hold the teeth in to break down which can eventually lead to tooth loss.

Periodontal Disease is caused from a byproduct of the bacteria plaque. Plaque is the film that constantly forms on your teeth. These byproducts can damage gums, periodontal ligaments and bone connected to your teeth. With regular brushing and flossing you can remove plaque and greatly improve your chances of avoiding gum disease. If plaque is not removed on a regular basis it hardens and turns into tartar. Tartar will not cause periodontal disease but can make it difficult to remove plaque on your teeth. The only way to have Tartar removed is by having your teeth proffesionally cleaned.

Besides brushing your teeth there are other factors that can increase your chances of getting periodontal disease.

Smoking or chewing tobacco
Can greatly increase the chances of getting periodontal disease. Also it can cause the damage to be more severe than a non-tobacco user.

Systemic diseases
Dieabetes can lower your body's resistance to infection. This can also make a case of gum disease more severe.

Medications
Many medications can affect the gums. Steriods, anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, and many others can be a factor. Let your dentist know about the medications you are taking so he can advise you about the risks of gum disease involved

Worn out Dental treatments
Defective fillings, bridges that don't fit right and anything else that can allow plaque to build up in areas that cannot be reached with a brush have a potential to cause periodontal diseases. Getting these problems resolved can help avoid gum disease.

-Gums that bleed easily
-Red, swollen, or tender gums
-Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
-Pus between the teeth when the gums are pressed
-Persistent bad breath or bad taste
-Permanent teeth that are loose or separating
-Any change in the fit of partial dentures
-Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite