A mild form of gum disease with inflammation of the gum is called gingivitis. Gum disease is also known as periodontal disease. As gingivitis is usually very mild; many people may have it and not know. Gingivitis should be treated, because it can progress into serious gum disease. 

In the worst cases, teeth are lost. Whether your gum disease is stopped, slowed, or gets worse depends a great deal on how well you care for your teeth and gums every day, from this point forward.