Gum Disease and heart disease are interrelated. At its simplest, periodontal disease is an infection that is caused by bacteria in your mouth and is commonly referred to as gum disease. The least severe of the periodontal diseases is gingivitis and is commonly characterized by inflamed and red gums which tend to bleed during brushing or when chewing hard foods such as corn on the cob or fruit. Advanced periodontal disease occurs when the infection spreads below the gum line and starts dissolving the gums and teeth. Given enough time and without proper treatment, it will cause the teeth to fall out and may even affect the jaw bone. However, there also appears to be a solid link between heart disease and periodontal disease.