Your gums and underlying bone provide an important foundation for your teeth and dental work, so it’s important to keep them healthy. And while every mouth contains both healthy and harmful bacteria, sometimes the harmful bacteria can infect the gums and form spaces or gaps around the teeth, known as pockets. These pockets are a sign that you may have gum disease (periodontal disease)—the #1 cause of adult tooth loss in the United States.
Use the links in this section to gain a better understanding of gum disease and how you can treat it:
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is the #1 cause of adult tooth loss in the United States.
What Are the Symptoms?
You could have a periodontal infection and not know it.
How Can I Treat It?
Remove the bacterial “intruders” and fight the infection with a locally administered antibiotic (LAA).
How Can I Keep It Away?
Learn what you can do to help keep your gums healthy.