---
title: "What Is Gum disease (periodontal disease)? Dental Glossary"
description: "Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues that surround and support the teeth, caused by plaque bacteria."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/gum-disease-periodontal-disease
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

Gum Care

# Gum disease (periodontal disease)

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues that surround and support the teeth, caused by plaque bacteria.

Gum disease starts when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, stays on the teeth. The early stage is [gingivitis](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/gingivitis). The gums look red and swollen and may bleed. If it is not treated, it can advance to [periodontitis](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/periodontitis), where the bone that holds the teeth begins to break down. The ADA calls gum disease a major cause of tooth loss in adults. It often causes no pain, so you may not know you have it. Regular checkups let a dentist find it early. Daily brushing and cleaning between teeth help, and in the early stage a professional cleaning can help clear up the inflammation. Your dentist will talk with you about a plan. See our [periodontal care](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/periodontal-care) page.

[Town Center Dental can helpPeriodontal Care](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/periodontal-care)

## Related terms

-   [Gingivitis](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/gingivitis)
-   [Periodontitis](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/periodontitis)
-   [Dental plaque](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-plaque)
-   [Periodontal pocket](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/periodontal-pocket)
-   [Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/scaling-and-root-planing-deep-cleaning)

## Sources

1.  [ADA MouthHealthy: Gum Disease - Periodontal Disease](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/gum-disease)

## Ready when you are

[Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)