Gum disease is a silent disease that may not cause pain until it has reached a severe stage. If your gums bleed even sometimes, something is wrong. Periodontitis (gum disease) occurs when infection of the gums is left untreated. Infection and inflammation spreads from the gums to the ligaments and bone that supports the teeth, causing teeth to loosen and eventually fall out. More and more studies also indicate that gum disease is linked to a host of systemic diseases like diabetes, stroke, heart disease, osteoporosis and respiratory disorders. Find out how gum disease affects your overall health.