In most cases it can, with daily effort on your part and some professional help.

Gum diseases are caused by mouth bacteria which begin their mischief by forming a sticky, colorless plaque on your teeth on a regular basis. In the absence of frequent brushing and flossing, plaque can harden and form tartar which can only be removed with the help of a dental hygienist or dentist. When the bacterial action increases, it leads to gum disease. Gum disease begins with gingivitis, a mild form of inflammation of the gums and then progressively advances into periodontitis which can hurt gum tissue and bone.This can eventually lead to tooth loss.

For most people, the first line of defense against gum disease is brushing and flossing of teeth daily to rid them of plaque.

Risk Factors

Some people are more prone to gum disease than others due to the following risk factors:

Smoking
Hormonal changes in girls/women make it easier for gingivitis to develop.
Diabetes
Stress because it make it harder for the body to fight infection.
Certain medications including antidepressants and some heart medicines lessen the flow of saliva which plays a role in protecting teeth and gums.
Illnesses - Diseases such as cancer or AIDS and their treatments can have a negative effect on gum health.
Genetics - Some people are more likely to develop severe gum disease than others.

Avoiding Gum Disease

Here's what you can do to prevent gum disease:
Brush your teeth twice a day, preferably with a fluoride toothpaste. If you can brush after each meal, that is even better.
Floss teeth every day.
Make periodic dental appointments for routine check-up and dental cleaning.
Have a healthy and balanced diet, as recommended in the New Food Pyramid.
Avoid using tobacco products.
Try to reduce your stress levels. Learn stress control and meditation techniques that can be used every day in situations that stress you out.