Nearly 75% of adults have some degree of periodontal disease. Aside from the traditionally discussed dental complications of gum recession, tooth root decay, tooth loss, bite collapse and bad breath, there are now well documented medical complications of periodontal disease, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and peripheral vascular disease.
Periodontal disease begins where teeth emerge through the gums. Healthy gums are pink and resilient, with pockets of 3 millimeters or less, and have intact attachment fibers. When food debris, bacteria, and saliva proteins accumulate, harmful plaque and biofilm are formed, leading to mineralized deposits known as "calculus."
In response to this, t...