Glossary

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Periodontitis: The later stage of gum disease in which plaque hardens into calculus (tartar). With periodontitis, as plaque and calculus continue to build up, the gums begin to recede (pull away) from the teeth, and pockets form between the teeth and gums. With advanced periodontitis, the gums recede farther, destroying more gum tissue and progressing to the bone. At this late stage of gum disease, teeth (even healthy teeth) can become loose, fall out or have to be extracted by a dentist.