Gum disease or periodontal disease is the ailment of the gums that is caused by bacterial plaque. The plaque is a thin, colorless, and sticky film of saliva and food particles that continuously forms on the teeth. You must maintain high standards of oral hygiene to remove the plaque daily. If you do not remove plaque, it can turn into a hard layer called Calculus (tartar).

If plaque is not removed from the teeth bacteria will flourish in the sticky film and produce toxins that may decay the supporting tissues and bone around the teeth. If the gum disease develops, the gum around your teeth becomes loose and results in deep areas called pockets. As the gum disease advances, the gum pockets deepen, resulting in severe damage to the gum tissues and bone.

If the gum/periodontal disease is not treated in time, your teeth may have to be removed.