Gum Disease
Gum disease is inflammation of the soft tissue surrounding your teeth (gums). Gum disease is caused by bacteria that gather in the spaces between your teeth and gums, forming a sticky substance called plaque. If you don’t brush and floss regularly, plaque can harden into tartar, irritating your gums and eventually leading to gum disease. The buildup of plaque and tartar can also cause tooth decay and, ultimately, tooth loss.
Approximately 50 percent of adults over 35 years old have some form of periodontal disease caused by plaques forming on the teeth. The bacteria in the plaque cause inflammation and irritation of the gums, and this irritation causes them to become sore if they are not treated at once.
