The reason for this is that the periodontal tissue is “dissolved” by the toxins produced by the bacteria and separated from the teeth. Bacteria that thrive on the “hotbeds” of tartar, plaque, and tartar break down food debris and release toxins. The gums are most susceptible to bacterial toxins, producing inflammation that gradually spreads to the roots of the teeth and the alveolar bone. Bacteria grow and multiply in the alveolar bone, metabolize, destroy capillaries, block nutrient supply, and reduce osteoblast activity, eventually leading to alveolar bone atrophy and bone loss, lowering the tooth bed, shallowing the tooth roots, and elongating the teeth. Small trees will collapse when their roots are exposed due to soil and water erosion; teeth will naturally loosen and fall out if their roots are gradually exposed due to the gradual atrophy of periodontal tissues.