Edmund Khoo

1 week ago | health.com | Cristina Mutchler |Edmund Khoo

Andrii Iemelyanenko / Getty Images Gingivitis and periodontitis are forms of gum disease. Gingivitis is the mildest type of gum disease, causing gum inflammation. If left untreated, gingivitis can develop into irreversible periodontitis, which involves bone loss around the teeth. In the United States, about 42% of adults 30 and older have periodontitis.

2 weeks ago | health.com | Mark Gurarie |Hannah Harper |Edmund Khoo

Tassii / Getty Images Periodontal disease (gum disease) is a bacterial infection of the gums that affects about 4 in 10 adults over 30 in the United States. It's caused by plaque (a sticky bacterial film) and tartar (a hard crust) buildup in the mouth Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease, causing irritation, swelling, and bleeding. Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis.