Dr. Suway and Dr. Toscano are specialists trained to diagnose and treat periodontal disease.  The word "periodontal" literally means "around the tooth."  Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues (gum and bone) that support your teeth.  It can affect one tooth or many teeth, and it begins when the bacterial plaque (a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth) causes the gums to become inflamed.