What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is when bacteria causes inflammation in the gum tissue, leading to a loss of the tooth's supporting structures. Periodontal disease is classified by the amount of bone loss, as measured with a dental probe. Periodontal disease can lead to an increased amount of circulating bacteria and is suspected of contributing to various systemic diseases including heart disease. Treatment involves scaling, root planing, frequent dental appointments, and possibly gingival surgery.