Gum disease begins with plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that builds up on the teeth. During the early stages of gum disease, it’s common for the gums to become swollen and bleed easily when brushing & flossing. As the disease progresses to periodontitis, the teeth may loosen and fall out. Early signs of gum disease include consistent bad breath or a foul taste in the mouth, so make sure your child does a great job of brushing and flossing every day.