WHAT IS PERIODONTAL DISEASE?
The word periodontal literally means "around the tooth." Healthy gum tissue fits like a cuff around each tooth. Where the gum line meets the tooth, it forms a slight v-shaped crevice called a sulcus. In healthy teeth, this space is usually three millimeters or less.

Periodontal diseases are infections that affect the tissues and bone that support teeth. As the tissues are damaged, the sulcus develops into a pocket that is greater than three millimeters. Generally, the more severe the disease, the greater the pocket depth and bone loss. The enlarged 41 pockets allow harmful bacteria to grow and make it difficult to practice effective oral hygiene. Left untreated, periodontal
diseases may eventually lead to tooth loss.