What is Gum Disease?
Gum (periodontal) disease is an infection of the supporting tissues of the teeth, including the gums, gingiva, alveolar bone, cementum, and the periodontal ligament. Risk factors for gum disease include poor oral hygiene habits, smoking and systemic diseases that allow plaque to build up on the teeth and harden, eventually affecting the gums.
Periodontal therapy is the care and treatment of the gums, which are essential for keeping the teeth healthy.