Several factors can add up causing periodontal disease or chronic infection of the gums to speed up its development and increase the risk and its severity. Gum infections are likely to develop to people who smoke or chew tobacco. Poor dental fittings, defective fillings and misaligned teeth can contribute to the retention of plaque increase the risk of gum infection. The rate of the loss of supporting bones may be accelerated by clenching and grinding of teeth. Poor nutrition may cause periodontal diseases to rapidly progress. Gums are affected by pregnancy, use of oral contraceptives, certain medications causing gums to become red, tender, swollen, and bleed easily. The best thing you could do is to schedule dental visits. In preventing gum infections professional cleaning is of the essence.