Periodontal Disease (sometimes also known as Pyorrhea), is an infection of the gums and bone that hold your teeth in place. Left untreated, it causes loss of the bone anchoring your teeth – and subsequent loss of the teeth.
Scientists have discovered a link between periodontal (gum) disease and respiratory infections. In fact, if you suffer from periodontal disease, you may be breathing bacteria into your lungs every day from the infection in your gums.