Periodontitis: From Plaque to Tooth Loss

Healthy gums and bone hold the tooth firmly in place.

Plaque buildup irritates the gums, and they become inflamed (gingivitis). In time, the gums pull away from the tooth, creating a pocket that fills with more plaque.

The pockets get deeper, and the plaque hardens into tartar. More plaque accumulates on top.

Bacterial infection moves down to the root of the tooth and eventually destroys the bone supporting the tooth. Without this support, the tooth loosens and falls out or requires extraction because of a periodontal abscess.