Why you should keep an eye on your partner's oral hygiene habits, and it's not about bad breath

Gum diseases are caused by bacterial plaque that accumulates on teeth and gums, leading to an immune response that damages tissues over time. [iStockphoto]

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the gum tissue and supporting structures of the teeth. It is caused by bacterial plaque that accumulates on teeth and gums, leading to an immune response that damages tissues over time.