What is periodontal disease?

Gum disease/Pyorrhea: Periodontal disease is a disease of the gums and the jaw bone. It is the most common cause of adult tooth loss. It is never cured, only controlled. Bacteria in the spaces between the teeth and gums are the cause. Control is achieved ultimately by controlling the bacteria.

Periodontitis: A chronic inflammatory disease of the periodontium occurring in response to bacterial plaque on the adjacent teeth; characterized by gingivitis, destruction of the alveolar bone and periodontal ligament, apical migration of the epithelial attachment resulting in the formation of periodontal pockets, and ultimately loosening and exfoliation of the teeth. Dictionary.Webmd.Com/terms/periodontitis.

Chronic infection: Gum disease is a chronic inflammatory disease initiated by bacteria on your teeth. As the bacteria spreads under your gums and into your bone the bodies inflammatory response eats away the collagen network that hold the gums and bone together. While the mechanism of destruction is immune mediated it is in response to the bacterial infection.