What Is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is the mildest type of periodontal disease. While it can cause gums to get red, swollen, and bleed easily, there is usually little to no discomfort or pain during this stage. In most cases, it results from poor oral hygiene. With professional treatment and good oral home care, it is reversible.
What is Periodontitis?
Untreated gingivitis can evolve into periodontitis. Over time, plaque grows and expands below the gumline. Plaque is created by a buildup of bacteria. The toxins in this bacteria irritate the gums and trigger a chronic inflammatory response.
Essentially, the body turns on itself and the tissues and bones that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed.
Gums pull away from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums) and become infected. As the disease worsens, pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Initially, this process has mild symptoms. However, if left untreated, teeth loosen and may have to be removed.
Gum Disease Risk Factors
- Aging
- Poor nutrition
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Smoking/tobacco use
- Genetic predisposition
- Stress
- Puberty
- Hormone fluctuations
- Pregnancy
- Substance abuse
- Certain medications
- Clenching and grinding teeth
Gum Disease Symptoms
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Bleeding while brushing, flossing, or eating hard food
- Gums that are receding or pulling away from the teeth, causing the teeth to look longer than before
- Loose or separating teeth
- Sores in your mouth
- Persistent bad breath
- A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- A change in the fit of partial dentures
Prevention
- Brush your teeth
- Floss
- Swish with mouthwash
- Know your risk
- See a periodontist and get an annual comprehensive periodontal evaluation (CPE)
What Does a Comprehensive Periodontal Evaluation (CPE) Entail?
A CPE allows your periodontist to evaluate your periodontal health by examining your:
- Teeth
- Plaque
- Gums
- Bite
- Bone structure
- Risk factors
By assessing you oral health annually, your periodontist and your dentist will know how healthy your mouth is, and be better able to give you advice on how to maintain your periodontal health and, if you have gingivitis, treat it before it turns into periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease.
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