Periodontal disease 

   
Periodontitis
 
This is a progressive condition that develops from gingivitis (inflamed gums).
It is caused by plaque (a mixture of saliva , food and bacteria) 
 
      
 
 
Symptoms
 
Halitosis (smelly breath)
Inflamed gums which may bleed, ulcerate and be painful
Receding gums exposing sensitive tooth roots
Painful abscesses
In advanced cases there may be significant pain and difficulty in eating
 
Treatment options
 
Scaling and polishing teeth
Subgingival debridement (cleaning exposed root surfaces under the
           gum line
Dental X rays to assess the severity of the disease
Tooth extraction
Periodontal surgery (surgery of soft tissue and bone supporting teeth)
 
 Treatment may need to be undertaken in 2 or more stages