Pyorrhea, also known as periodontitis or gum disease, is a severe inflammation of the gums that damages the soft tissue and destroys the bone that supports your teeth. It is usually caused by poor oral hygiene, which leads to plaque building up on the teeth and hardening into tartar. Pyorrhea can lead to tooth loss if left untreated, as the gums recede from the teeth and form pockets that become infected. Symptoms of pyorrhea include swollen, red or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, loose teeth and gums that have pulled away from the teeth. Treatment usually involves a thorough cleaning of the teeth and gums to remove tartar and bacteria, and in severe cases, surgery may be required.