Gum are pinkish brown coloured soft tissue holding the teeth in bony sockets by adhering them firmly through periodontal ligaments to periosteum . Gums are called basically gingiva and their inflammatory diseases are called gingivitis in general .Gum disease is an infection of the gum tissue that surrounds and supports the teeth. It is the major cause of tooth loss in later half of life as in adult as well as in elderly. In early stages it is called gingivitis and when gingivitis is not treated properly , it may advance to periodontitis because of nonspecific signs and symptoms to be noted by patients. Main reasons for ignorance about gum diseases in my opinion are following Non-specific symptoms  Economical  Educational  psycho-social  ignorance  self-medication  Economical factors Dental treatments and dental care is supposed to be costlier affair in a dental clinic as compared to medical services in general . in government sector dental facilities are less as compared to load of population as well as shortage of dental clinics in government sector. Gingivitis Occurs mainly due to plaque accumulation and factors responsible for plaque formation and propogation are poor dental and oral hygine .It is early and reversible disease. In this disease gum become red, swollen and bleed easily while provocation like touching , brushing or sometimes even spontaneous dental/gum bleeding happens . Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease which can be reversible by daily brushing, flossing and regular cleaning by dentist ,this procedure is called scaling along with proper medication. In gingivitis there is no tissue or bone loss .So it is essential to treat gingivitis as early as possible so that we can prevent the Periodontitis [advanced gum disease]. Periodontitis When gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to Periodontitis. Periodontal disease is considered as one of the most prevalent disease in human. It is characterised by gingival inflammation, loss of gingival attachment and bone loss. In this gum pull away from the teeth and form spaces called pockets that become infected. Bacterial toxins and body's natural response to infection start to breakdown the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in please. If not treated, the bone, gums and tissue that support the teeth are destroyed and eventually the teeth become loose and have to be removed.