It is with a thorough periodontal exam that gum infection or periodontal disease is diagnosed. It is important to realize that periodontitis is chronic, insidious, and episodic in nature. It is critical that patients practice good oral hygiene and that they seek regular professional maintenance care in the dental or periodontal office. It should be noted that gum disease has been linked to heart disease, low birth weight in babies and other health problems, so it is a condition that should be taken seriously. Take a gum disease prevention stance and contact your dentist before you have any dental problems to find out what he or she suggests.