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Gingivitis
Gingivitis, also generally called gum disease or periodontal disease,
describes the events that begin with bacterial growth in your mouth and may end
– if not properly treated – with tooth loss due to destruction of the tissue
that surrounds your teeth.
Actually, gingivitis and periodontitis are two distinct stages of gum
disease.
What's the Difference Between Gingivitis and Periodontitis?
Gingivitis usually precedes periodontitis. However, it is important to know
that not all gingivitis progresses to periodontitis.
In the early stage of gingivitis, bacteria in plaque build up, causing the
gums to become inflamed (red and swollen) and often easily bleed during tooth
brushing. Although the gums may be irritated, the teeth are still firmly planted
in their sockets. No irreversible bone or other tissue damage has occurred at
this stage.
When gingivitis is left untreated, it can advance to periodontitis. In a
person with periodontitis, the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from
the teeth and form pockets. These small spaces between teeth and gums collect
debris and can become infected. The body's immune system fights the bacteria as
the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line.
Toxins or poisons – produced by the bacteria in plaque as well as the body's
"good" enzymes involved in fighting infections – start to break down the bone
and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. As the disease progresses, the
pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. When this happens,
teeth are no longer anchored in place, they become looser, and tooth loss
occurs. Gum disease, in fact, is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
What Causes Periodontal Disease?
Plaque is the primary cause of periodontal disease. However, other
factors can contribute to gum disease. These include:
-
Hormonal changes
– such as those occurring during pregnancy, puberty, menopause, and monthly
menstruation-make gums more sensitive, which makes it easier for gingivitis to
develop.
-
Illnesses may affect the condition of your gums. This includes diseases such as cancer
or HIV that interfere with the immune system. Because diabetes affects the
body's ability to use blood sugar, patients with this disease are at higher
risk of developing infections, including periodontal disease.
-
Medications can affect oral health because some lessen the flow of saliva,
which has a protective effect on teeth and gums. Some drugs, such as the
anticonvulsant medication Dilantin and the anti-angina drug Procardia and
Adalat, can cause abnormal growth of gum tissue.
-
Bad habits such as smoking,
make it harder for gum tissue to repair itself.
-
Poor oral hygiene habits such as not brushing and flossing on a daily
basis, make it easier for gingivitis to develop.
-
Family history of dental
disease can be a contributing factor for the development of gingivitis.
Next: What are the Symptoms of Periodontal Disease? »
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