Periodontics is the branch of dentistry concerned with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. Gum disease (also called periodontal disease) is an infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. Gum Disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), over half of all people over the age of 18 have some form of periodontal disease and after age 35, over 75% of all people are affected. As scary as gum disease may sound, it gets worse. The bacteria that cause periodontal disease are not confined to the mouth. They are carried throughout the blood stream and have the potential to cause health problems that appear in other parts of the body. As reported by the ADA, a study of over 800 stroke victims indicates that advanced gum disease can increase the risk of stroke by over 50% in adults aged 25-54. Because gum disease is usually painless, you may not know you have it. This is why regular dental checkups are important.