Gum disease, or periodontal disease, begins by causing swelling and infection in the gum tissue, which can cause your gums to look red, feel tender, and bleed easily. As the disease progresses, it can destroy your gums and the surrounding bone tissue, which results in tooth loss. Gum disease can also harm the rest of the body by increasing your risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetic complications, stroke, respiratory disease, Alzheimer’s, and pregnancy complications.
