Periodontal disease, or gum disease, attack the gum and bone that surrounds and supports the teeth. The word periodontal means “around the tooth”.
Plaque is the beginning of periodontal disease. It is a sticky film made up of bacteria and food remnants that cover your tooth, gets between your teeth and sits at your gum line. When plaque is left too long and begins to affect your mouth, it is referred to as Gingivitis.
If the plaque is not regularly removed, it will harden and turn into tartar, or calculus, and begin to attack your gums, teeth and bone. Once this attack begins, it is considered periodontal disease.