Gum disease affects at least 60% of adults.

According to the American Dental Association, at least 60% of adults in the United States have moderate-to-severe gum disease. You may have heard some of the terms: plaque, tartar, calculus, gingivitis, periodontitis, pyorrhea, periodontal disease, and gum disease. But what does it all mean? Quite simply, gum disease starts when plaque and tartar are allowed to accumulate at the base of your teeth. The bacteria in the plaque lead to an infection in the gums called Gingivitis. Left untreated, the infection spreads to the tissue and bone that holds your teeth in place, a condition called Periodontitis. Speak with your periodontist about ways to prevent and treat gum disease.