The health of your gums and teeth is important to your overall health, well-being, and appearance. At its most serious, gum disease or gum infection can cause pain, abscesses, difficulty in eating, bad breath, and a loss of teeth. Bacteria found in plaque produces toxins or poisons that irritate the gums, which may cause them to turn red, swell and bleed easily. If this irritation is prolonged, the gums separate from the teeth, causing pockets (spaces) to form. As periodontal diseases progress, the supporting gum tissue and bone that holds teeth in place deteriorate. If left untreated, this leads to tooth loss. Having a great smile and good breath is desirable for many people in our society. While appearance is important, the doubts and insecurity of wondering if your breath is offensive is a problem that has a major impact on many relationships.