There is an epidemic of gum disease that is getting worse every day. 85% of adults now have some degree of gum disease. It was 80% only a few years ago. The main cause of gum disease is the Streptococcus Mutans bacteria that thrives on sugar. There is added sugar in almost every thing we eat today. This Plaque producing bacteria absorbs sugar, metabolizes it, excreting Plaque and acid. The Plaque that builds up is a symptom, not the actual cause of Gingivitis or Periodontal Disease. The Plaque creates a safe harbor for this bacteria to multiply. The true culprit is the acid that is excreted. That is what creates the gum inflammation, and bone loss.