If Gingivitis is ignored or it's existence is not recognised & it is allowed to persist, then it will progress into Periodontitis. Like Gingivitis, Periodontitis is not painful but unlike Gingivitis it is not reversible but incurs permanent damage upon the gums.
Periodontitis is the term applied to the destruction of the {periodontal ligament} as the result of long term inflammation. Destruction of the ligament is followed quickly by resorption of the supporting bone, recession of the gums or pocketing leading to loosening & eventual loss of the teeth.
!font r 20! Gum disease accounts for the loss of more teeth than any other cause yet is completely preventable.