If you start to experience gum recession this is an early warning sign that you may be in the beginning stages of developing gum disease. Also, if allowed to go untreated and advance into full blown gum disease your overall health could be affected. This is because of the oral systemic connection and the fact that your oral health plays a major role in the health of your overall body. The bacteria that begin to develop in your mouth can travel through your bloodstream and spread to the rest of your entire body. The spread of this bad bacteria will overtime lead to the development of different systemic diseases such as heart disease or diabetes. In addition, to the development of oral systemic issues gum disease can lead to other issues like tooth decay, tooth loss, increased risk of infection, and partial or complete tooth loss.