The causes and risk factors you need to know about periodontal disease may be present mainly because it is painless in almost all cases. To identify this disease and understand its treatment, you need to find the signs and symptoms and check them with regular visits. If you have been diagnosed with periodontitis (gum disease), you are among the 80% of people in the United States who currently have the condition. From simple gingivitis to severe pain, periodontal gum disease can cause serious damage to the bone and soft tissue that supports your teeth. Worse, your teeth could be lost.