Gum treatment: Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease and periodontitis) is an inflammatory condition affecting the tissues surrounding a tooth, and is the leading cause of tooth loss. There are a number of causes of gum disease, each of which can be corrected and controlled. There are a number of treatments available for gum disease sufferers, each of which varies depending on the severity of the condition. In order to determine the treatment modality that best meets your needs, your dentist will evaluate the extent of the damage caused by gum disease to develop a conservative initial plan.