What is Gum Disease and What Causes It?

Gum disease, medically known as periodontal disease, affects the gums surrounding your teeth and can extend to the underlying bone if left untreated. The primary cause is plaque buildup on your teeth, which contains bacteria. As the disease progresses, pockets can form between your teeth and gums, leading to damage of the ligaments and bone that support your teeth.

If you smoke, your risk of developing periodontal disease increases, and symptoms may escalate more quickly due to reduced blood flow to your mouth, delaying detection.