Periodontal disease can become harder to treat and can possibly get worse due to stress. The body finds it hard to fight gum infection when it is stressed because stress weakens the body's immune system. Another contributor in making gum infection worse is the fluctuating hormones. Changes can occur inside the mouth whenever hormones fluctuate. Puberty, pregnancy and menopause can temporarily increase the risk and severity of gum infection. Dry mouth can lead to gum infection, and these may be caused by several types of medications like antidepressants, diuretics and high blood pressure medications. Bacterial plaque is more likely to form without the protection of adequate amounts of saliva. Having good ideas about gum disease can make you more aware of the consequence and problems that may arise when you do not take good care of your teeth and gums.