PERIO

Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums. It's usually caused by poor dental hygiene where plaque builds up at the place where the gums and teeth meet, irritating the gums.

Periodontitis is serious infections that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. The word periodontal literally means "around the tooth." Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth.