Everyone wants to have a healthy beautiful white smile. Unfortunately, many people, without knowing it, suffer from gingivitis, the mildest form of periodontal (gum) disease. If this condition is left untreated, it can lead to advanced gum disease called periodontitis. Sometimes gum disease is caused by another type of infection in the body, but with all other types of gum disease, it can generally be treated and healed in a matter of 1 to 2 weeks. If you have ever had to have root canals or have metal fillings, you, too, should follow these instructions for a healthy mouth and to stop gum disease before it starts.