Periodontal disease destroys the gums and bony structures that support teeth.

The condition includes gingivitis and periodontitis, the former being inflammation of the gums or soft tissue that surrounds the base of teeth and the latter inflammation of the bones below and anchor the teeth.

Periodontal disease is the most common disease to affect humans. It affects 60% of young adults, 80% of middle-aged adults and over 90% of people over the age of 65 years.

This disease is caused by many different factors. Poor oral hygiene is the most common cause of periodontal disease. Food allergies, anemia, bacterial infection, heavy metal toxicity including lead, mercury and bismuth, vitamin deficiencies, including vitamins B3 or niacin, B12 or cobalamin, folic acid and vitamin C or ascorbic acid, long-term use of Dilantin or phenytoin, cancer, auto-immune disease and other debilitating diseases can lead to the development of periodontal disease.
Other factors that contribute to this condition include chronic food impaction, missing teeth, malocclusion, tongue thrusting, teeth grinding, toothbrush trauma, poor bone and teeth structure, weak connective tissue or connective tissue disease, amalgam fillings, cigarette smoking and chewing tobacco.

Early signs of periodontal disease include swelling, redness, inflammation, change in the normal contours of the gum........

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