The two most common forms of dental disease, caries (tooth decay) and periodontal disease (gum disease) are caused by the presence of bacterial communities in dental plaque, which is a sticky film that is constantly accumulating in the mouth. While in the case of tooth decay the acidic products of the plaque bacteria progressively erode tooth structure, in gum disease an inflammatory response is provoked in the periodontal tissues that surround and support the teeth. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to gingival pocket formation, gum recession and diminishing alveolar bone with the eventual loosening and loss of teeth.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one out of every two adults aged 30 and over in the United States is affected by periodontal disease. Furthermore, that number increases to over 70% for individuals 65 and older. Since gum disease is the main cause of tooth loss in adults and there is an increasing association with systemic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory problems and adverse pregnancy outcomes, periodontal disease represents a serious public health concern.

Although inadequate oral hygiene practices, infrequent dental checkups and few if any professional teeth cleanings are the main reasons for the development of gum disease, there are other factors that can contribute to the risk. An individual may be predisposed to periodontal disease because of genetic factors, smoking and tobacco use, harmful oral habits, misaligned teeth, poor nutrition, and stress as well as the fluctuating hormones in pregnancy. Diseases such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and HIV infection can also increase the risk and severity of periodontal disease. Additionally, certain medications for the therapeutic treatment of systemic disease can lay the groundwork for periodontal problems by producing side effects such as dry mouth (xerostomia) or causing the gums to enlarge.