In many cases, the development of gingival recession (periodontitis) begins with the formation of plaque, a sticky film made up of bacteria at its base. If this plaque is left untreated, it can eventually turn into periodontitis.

Plaque forms on the teeth when starches and sugars in food interact with bacteria normally found in an individual's mouth. Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day can remove plaque buildup, but plaque builds up quickly.

Plaque remaining on the teeth can harden below the gum line and become tartar, that is, tartar. Tartar is more difficult to remove than plaque and is full of bacteria. The longer plaque and tartar remain on your teeth, the more damage it can do. It is not possible to clean the calculus by brushing and flossing. A professional dental cleaning is needed to remove it.

Plaque can cause gingivitis, the mildest form of gum disease. Gingivitis is the name given to the irritation and inflammation of the part of the gum tissue around the base of the tooth. Gingivitis can be reversed with professional treatment and good oral care at home.

Ongoing gingivitis can cause periodontitis. This causes pockets to form between your gums and teeth that fill with plaque, tartar, and bacteria. Over time, these pockets deepen and fill with more bacteria. If these deepening infections are left untreated, this results in both tissue and bone loss, which can eventually lead to the loss of one or more teeth. Ongoing chronic inflammation can strain the immune system of the individual.

gingivitis, medications that cause dry mouth or gum changes, malnutrition including vitamin C deficiency, certain diseases such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease, hormonal changes such as those related to pregnancy or menopause, genetics, poor oral health habits, leukemia, HIV / Factors that cause decreased immunity such as AIDS and cancer treatment, obesity, smoking or chewing tobacco, or drug use can increase the risk of developing gingival recession (periodontitis).