Tag: dentist oskaloosa IA

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a chronic infection of the gums and surrounding tissue. It is caused by bacterial plaque that attaches to teeth and eats away at the gums. If plaque is not removed by proper brushing and flossing, it hardens into a hard substance called tartar. Bacteria in plaque tartar release toxins that irritate the gums and cause a breakdown of the fibers that hold the gums tightly to the teeth.