[header] How to detect gum disease [title] Learn about the causes of gum disease. [step] The condition actually begins with the deposition of plaque (a slimy substance) around the teeth. Plaque is the media where the harmful bacteria thrive and form colonies. 
These bacteria produce acids which not only damage the tooth enamel but also affect the gums. [substeps] Plaque is a transparent layer and hence sometimes goes unnoticed.