Three out of four people will be affected by gum disease at some time, and more than half of all adults currently have some form of it. The main cause of gum disease is bacterial plaque. Plaque can be minimized with daily brushing and flossing. If it isn't, it hardens on the teeth, forming a substance know as calculus. Toxins produced by the bacteria in the plaque irritate the gums and destroy supporting tissues.
Gums pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that fill with more plaque.
Unless treated, the bone that supports the teeth may be damaged and teeth can be lost. Since gum disease is often painless, its progress may go unnoticed. That's why it's important to have regular dental checkups. When detected early, gum disease is easily treated. Detection involves regular dental exams to check the color and firmness of the gums, how the teeth fit together and perhaps x-rays to evaluate the bone supporting the teeth.