Gum (periodontal) disease is an infection of the gums and can affect the bone structure that supports your teeth. In severe cases, it can cause your teeth to fall out. Smoking is a major cause of serious gum disease in the United States.1
Gum disease starts with germs (bacteria) on your teeth that get under your gums. If the bacteria stays on your teeth for too long, layers of plaque (film) and tartar (hardened plaque) develop. This build-up leads to early gum disease, called gingivitis.2
As gum disease worsens, your gums can pull away from your teeth, creating spaces that become infected. This is a serious gum disease, also called periodontitis. The bones and tissue that hold your teeth in place can break down and your teeth can become loose and need to be extracted.3
