Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. Brushing and flossing daily, along with a professional examination twice a year, will minimize your risk. Eating a balanced diet, especially foods rich in vitamin C, B12, folic acid and calcium, will help strengthen your gums and bones against breakdown. Also, limit the frequency of eating foods loaded with refined sugar (sucrose). Other risk factors such as smoking should be eliminated, and related dental problems such as crowded teeth, spaces and cavities should be restored.