Periodontal disease occurs when the gums or other bone around the tooth are in an advanced gingivitis state. The gums become infected with mucus, food particles, bacteria and accumulated plaque. The gums swell to the point that more plaque and food gets trapped in the pockets. The teeth will loosen and eventually fall out.
Periodontal disease is a major cause of tooth loss.
Even though periodontal disease is an infection of the gums, the gums are what hold the teeth in, and if the gums get weak the teeth will fall out. The American Dental Association has estimated that fifty percent of people over the age of 18 have an early form of periodontal disease. Even a perfect tooth with no decay can be lost if the gums are infected. Adults over the age of 40 are particularly at risk, but children can also get it. If the disease is left untreated the gums will be red, swollen, and ooze pus.