Gum disease, technically known as periodontal disease, is the major cause of tooth loss in adults. How the disease starts and progresses is described here. Healthy gums closely grip the sides of the teeth anchoring them firmly in place, with the help of bone.
Unremoved plaque produces acids and bacterial irritants.
It also hardens into calculus, commonly called tartar which presses around the gum line. As the gum becomes inflamed, it may bleed. This condition is known as Gingivitis . If untreated, the infection spreads to the bone supporting the tooth. Pus is formed, the bone begins to erode, and eventually the tooth may be lost.