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Gingivitis

• What's the Difference Between Gingivitis and Periodontitis?
• What Causes Periodontal Disease?
• What are the Symptoms of Periodontal Disease?
• How Does My Dentist Diagnose Peridontal Disease?
• How is Periodontal Disease Treated?
• How Can Gingivitis Be Prevented?
• Is Peridontal Disease Linked to Other Health Problems?

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.

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