Final answer:
Periodontal disease is characterized by swollen, tender gums that may pull away from the teeth and can cause bad breath and tooth loss. It progresses from gingivitis due to plaque buildup and bacterial infection, and can be treated with good oral hygiene and possibly antibiotics in severe cases.
Step-by-step explanation:
The condition characterized by tender, swollen gums with a bright red or purplish coloration, where the gums may also pull away from teeth, and accompanied by bad breath and tooth loss is known as Periodontal disease. This condition often begins as gingivitis, which is the inflammation of the gums due to the accumulation of plaque and the presence of bacteria such as Porphyromonas, Streptococcus, and Actinomyces. When left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, potentially leading to tooth loss and the need for surgical tooth removal.
Periodontal disease can be treated with good dental hygiene, professional dental cleaning, and, in severe cases, antibiotics like tetracycline or doxycycline. Advanced stages, such as acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis or trench mouth, require additional treatments like antibiotics and pain medication to manage the symptoms.