Causes of Gum Disease

The main cause of periodontal (gum) disease is plaque, but other factors affect the health of your gums. Periodontal (gum) diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are serious infections that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss.

Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. The main cause of periodontal disease is bacterial plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth and if not removed adequately with proper brushing and flossing will accumulate into tartar ledges(calcium or calculus deposits on the teeth and roots) and produce toxins that eat away at the gums and supporting bone.

There are a number of causes of gum disease, each of which can be corrected and controlled.

See the List to the LEFT for details of these causes.