When plaque, the bacterial film that grows on your teeth, builds up too much, gum disease can result. Treating gum disease is necessary to prevent the progression of these diseases and stop massive oral damage and eventual tooth loss. A simple warm water and salt solution before or after brushing and flossing is mildly effective in treating gum disease. But the most effective way of treating gum disease is the removal of plaque deposits on the teeth. That means killing the bacteria that causes plaque. By cleaning the mouth and killing the bacteria that causes plaque, you are treating gum disease effectively and can prevent the problem of gum disease before it starts.