Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is one of the most common health conditions in this country. That's because regardless of how carefully you brush and floss, you can't keep the tooth root surfaces clean. In fact, your natural population of oral bacteria automatically forms a sticky substance called 'plaque' on any uncleaned tooth surfaces. Left alone, this plaque hardens into tartar, which can only be removed with professional dental tools. When tartar is allowed to remain on the teeth, the gums become irritated, triggering an infection. Once this stage is reached, gum disease results and must be treated by your dentist. That's why it's not surprising that up to 80% of the general population has some form of chronic, low-grade gum disease. In other words, have a professional cleaning done regularly!