Gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis)
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Gum problems such as gingivitis and periodontal disease are extremely common, and affect most people at some point in their lives, becoming more prevalent with age.
Gum disease is caused by an accumulation of plaque on the tooth surface at the junction between the tooth and the gum. The plaque hardens to form tartar, or calculus, on the teeth, and as it thickens, the gums start to recede, allowing pockets to form below the gum margin. As the condition progresses, the tissues below the gum margin become more susceptible to disease and destruction.
In addition to poor dental hygiene, other factors that may contribute to the development of gingivitis and gum disease include: