Surgery of the Gums may be required when diseases affecting the gums cannot be treated by other methods. Periodontitis and Gingivitis are the common diseases that affect the gums. Gingivitis is refered to as the inflamation of the gums around the tooth where the gums become red and swollen. This is caused by bacterial plaque that accumulates between the gum and the tooth and may not result in a loss of tooth attachment. The inflamation and infection caused by the toxins from these bacteria can result in a bone loss around the tooth knowns as Periodontitis. This if left untreated could lead to a loss of tooth over a period of time.