Experts say that gum disease, rather than tooth decay, is the biggest factor in tooth loss.

Poor diet and dental hygiene, smoking, certain medicines and diseases (diabetes), and stress are all risk factors for gum disease.

Gum diseases may be classified into three types:

1. Gingivitis, the most common type, is characterized by bleeding, reddening and swelling of the gums. Bleeding when brushing one’s teeth is the most noticeable sign of gingivitis. Unless treated in its early stages, gingivitis may progress into more serious conditions. Proper brushing and flossing of the teeth are usually enough to reduce the gum’s redness and swelling.
2. Periodontitis is the advanced stage of gingivitis. Here, the inflammation of the gums has already spread to the bone which supports the teeth. If left untreated, periodontis will cause the teeth to fall out.
3. Acute Necrotising Ulcerative Gingivitis (ANUG) is a rare type of gum disease associated with severe malnutrition and weakened immune system. Ulcers form on the gums as a result of bacterial infection. Gum tissues then become weak and disintegrate, causing the teeth to fall out.

Gum disease may be treated using the following:

1. Scaling. The dentist or hygienist cleans the teeth thoroughly using scalers and an electric toothbrush. Periodontist may require more extensive scaling to get rid of plaque and tartar.
2. Gum surgery. In cases where the periodontal sockets are too deep for the dentist or hygienist to clean, gum surgery is required. This is performed by a gum disease expert called periodontologist. The deep pockets are cleaned thoroughly and the flap of the gum closed with sutures.