If early gum disease or gingivitis is left unchecked, it can lead to a more severe and serious form of gum disease called periodontitis. Eventually, tooth loss can be caused by this long-term infection. Gum disease oftentimes does not hurt or cause any pain. Individuals may have it for a number of years before they feel the discomfort. It will be necessary for a dental hygienist or a dentist to scrape this material off your teeth when plaque has already hardened on your teeth. It may sound common but it has been an adage that good oral care has been always the best way to prevent bleeding gums, and all the forms of gum disease.