If you have teeth then you will have gum disease !
The severity is variable. Some people are badly affected while others are hardly affected at all. There is also a similar variation in the severity of the disease in different parts of an individuals mouth.
It is caused by the build up of bacteria (plaque) around the gums. The bacteria produce chemicals (toxins) that make the gums inflamed. This inflammation can spread to the underlying tissues and can then cause:
Loss of bone and ligament attachment that holds the tooth in place.
Pocket formation between the tooth and gums which can lead to abscess formation
Eventually the tooth may be lost !