Understanding Gum Disease… Is It Affecting YOU? Periodontal disease affects over 90% of Americans each year and the reality is that you will experience some form of it over the course of your life. The only question is to what degree. The main culprit of the disease is dental bacterial plaque, the biofilm that results when bacteria concentrate at the gum line in everyone’s mouth. Think of your mouth as an ecosystem with your own oral tissues living alongside millions of bacteria. However, without thorough brushing, flossing, and routine dental cleanings, this balance can tip towards the first stage of periodontal disease—gingivitis or inflammation of the gingiva (gums). Without proper treatment, gingivitis can evolve into periodontitis, that can result in teeth becoming loose and possibly lost. Learn more in this comprehensive article “Understanding Gum Disease.”