Gum disease or periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting your teeth. The disease is painless, yet it is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults and has been linked to heart disease. It is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. Symptoms include persistent bad breath, pus between your teeth and gums, loose teeth, red, swollen or bleeding gums and a change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite. In many cases, we now treat gum disease more quickly and comfortably with excellent results.