Tooth loss is a natural part of the aging process. With good oral hygiene and regular professional care, your teeth are meant to last a lifetime. however, if left untreated periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss. It is the primary cause of tooth loss in adults age 35 and older. People who have periodontal disease don't brush their teeth. Research proves that up to 30% of the population may be genetically susceptible to gum disease. Despite agressive oral habits, these people may be six times more likely to develop periodontal disease. Gum disease is a small minor infection. Gum disease is not a small OR minor infection. It's result, tooth loss, leads to a very different lifestyle - dentures. The changes in your appearance, breath and ability to chew food are very dramatic. Oral health doesn't affect overall health. Emerging research links periodontal disease to other health problems including cardiovascular disease, preterm, low-birth weight babies, stroke and diabetes. Bleeding gums are normal. Bleeding gums are one of eight signs of gum disease. Think of gum tissue as the skin on your hand. If your hands bled every time you washed them you would immediately know that something is wrong. Other signs of gum disease include: red, swollen or tender gums, gums that have pulled away from the teeth, persistent bad breath, puss between teeth and gums, loose teeth, a change in the way your teeth fit together in your bite, and a change in the fit of your partial dentures.		The main cause of periodontal disease is bacterial plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on yourb teeth. However, factors like the following also affect the health of your gums. SMOKING AND TOBACCO USE As you probably already know, tobacco use is linked with many serious illnesses such as cancer, lung disease, as well as numerous other health problems. What you may not know is that tobacco users also are at increased risk for periodontal disease. In fact, recent stidies have shown that tobacco use may be one of the most significant risk factors in the development and progression of the disease. STRESS As you probably already know, stress is linked to many serious conditions such as hypertension, cancer, and numerous other health problems. What you may not know is that stress is also a risk factor for periodontal disease. research has demonstarted that stress in general makes it more difficult for the body to fight off all infection. CLENCHING AND GRINDING YOUR TEETH Clenching and grinding your teeth at night can be a sign of many different things including allergies, but regardless of the cause the result of grinding your teeth is excess force in the supporting tissues of the teeth. That added force destroys the tissues that support the teeth. POOR NUTRITION A body low in nutrients can compromise the body's immune system and make it harder for it to fight off infection. Because periodontal disease is a serious infection, poor nutrition can worsen the condition of your gums. PREGNANCY AND PUBERTY Any time your body experiences elevated hormonal levels the resulting changes can affect many of the tissues in your body. Your gums can be more sensitive during these times and may sometimes react very strongly to fluctuating hormonal changes. Additionally, recent studies suggest that pregnant women with gum disease are seven times more likely to deliver preterm, low-birthweight babies.