In health the teeth are embedded in a collar of tissue that sits about 3 mm above the supportive boney framework. This tooth supportive structure is also called the periodontium, "perio" is around and "dont" is tooth.

Ideally the gum tissue should have a thicker top (keratinized) layer that is resilient to trauma from normal daily chewing and cleaning efforts. The supporting bone should encase the tooth root and extend to about 3 mm of the margin of the crown of the tooth.

The fact that the gum collar is just 3 mm deep will mean that a regular effort with regular hygiene tools will allow you to reach the base of the pocket/sulcus around the tooth and adequately remove the biofilm. "You will notice that when your gums are healthy they are pink, firm and do not bleed easily.

Adequate bone means that the teeth are secure in the jawbone, they are held firmly in place with minimal movement or shifting of position. Healthy gums naturally attach to the teeth slightly below the gum line.

Gum Disease (periodontitis) is the most common cause of tooth loss among adults. Periodontitis, also known as periodontal disease, is a chronic inflammatory disease of the tissues that support the teeth including the gums and bone. Nearly half of the American adult population (47%) have chronic periodontitis. Periodontal disease affects much more than just the mouth. Oral health and your bodies' systemic health are interdependent.

• Poor oral health affect systemic health
• Systemic health has effects on oral health
• Poor oral health my suggest systemic problems

Inflammation is implicated in many chronic diseases and may be one of the key links between oral and your bodies' systemic health.

The following is a list of systemic medical conditions that are considered to have a central inflammatory component.

• Diabetes mellitus
• Atherosclerotic vascular disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Asthma
• Alzheimer's disease
• Obesity
• Osteoporosis
• Osteoarthritis
• Cancer
• Adverse pregnancy outcomes

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