The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. The primary effects of gingivitis on the body include tender and swollen gums that sometimes bleed. If the disease progresses, it can cause gum tissue to pull away from teeth, allowing bacteria to destroy the underlying bone supporting the teeth. This can cause painful lesions on the gums, loose teeth, and loss of bone structure. The more advanced stage of gum or periodontal disease is called periodontitis. This stage commonly increases inflammation throughout the body, which in turn can be an underlying factor in diseases including heart disease, diabetes, dementia and rheumatoid arthritis.