Gum disease also known as periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. The 2 types of gum disease are called gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is mild gum disease that affects only the gums and the tissue that surrounds the teeth. Periodontitis is gum disease that gets worse and spreads below the gums to damage the tissues and bone that support the teeth.
Attribution: Straight Talk Foundation