What are some of the most common causes of gum disease?

Ignorance/neglect: Most common reason people have bad teeth are due to neglect caused by ignorance. If parents dont take their children to the dentist as they grow the kids typically have problems. A lot of times those problems are gum disease. Using proper hygiene techniques you can prevent most gum disease.

Plaque: The cause of gum disease is build up of plaque and calculus (tartar) that is full of toxic bacteria. The treatment would involve scaling to remove the build-ups (and hence the bacteria) and sometimes antiobiotics are used.

Bacterial plaque: The primary etiology is bacterial plaque in a susceptible host. That means, it's part germs and part genetics.

No floss: Not brushing or flossing -- poor oral hygiene, is the most common cause. Smoking, uncontrolled blood sugar, stress, not seeing the dentist regularly are all factors that put you at greater risk for bad gums.