Periodontal disease (gum disease) affects both the gum tissue and the jawbone around teeth. Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection with genetic factors determining the severity of destruction. It is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that approximately 50% of American adults over the age of 30 have some form of periodontal disease while the estimates increase to 70% in adults over the age of 65. More recently, numerous studies have demonstrated a link between gum disease and other serious systemic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and respiratory infections. Our doctors are periodontist and specialize in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of gum disease.