Sharon P. answered • 02/15/20
The phrase "gum disease" refers to gingivitis. It is primarily due to the accumulation of bacterial plaque which causes red swollen bleeding (gingiva) gums. Plaque accumulation occurs exponentially if there is residual food, plaque and tartar(calculus) present on the teeth. These things give the bacteria something to stick to. Starchy/sugary foods fuel plaque growth. Bacterial plaque byproducts cause gingival inflammation and if left untreated the bone around the tooth will be lost. Eventually the gums bleed, swell, hurt when you chew with them and they may feel loose because they can eventually become loose if enough bone is lost.
Diet and nutrition play a role in collagen and bone maintenance but not to any extent like that of oral hygiene. Patients with severe nutritional deficiencies will likely show signs of oral disease.
