
What is Gingivitis? What is Periodontitis?
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums that has a variety of causes but is most often a response to plaque accumulation on the teeth at the gum line. The inflammation occurs because the body sends blood (which contains white blood cells) to the gums to fight off the bacteria. If the bacteria are not removed with brushing and flossing, the inflammation will not subside. Gingivitis can range from mild to severe, localized to a certain spot, or generalized throughout the mouth. It can also be chronic (meaning long-lasting) or acute (meaning short-term.)
Signs and Symptoms of GingivitisÂ
- Red gumsÂ
- Sore, irritated gumsÂ
- Gums that bleed while brushing or flossingÂ
- Bad breathÂ
- Puffy gumsÂ
Risk Factors for Inflamed GumsÂ
- Not enough brushing and flossingÂ
- Infrequent visits to the dentist for cleaningsÂ
- Braces or retainersÂ
- PregnancyÂ
- Certain medical conditionsÂ
- Certain medicationsÂ
- Hormonal changesÂ
Ways to Help Improve GingivitisÂ
- Regular brushing and flossingÂ
- Regular visits to the dentist for cleaningsÂ
- Daily mouthwashÂ
If gingivitis is left untreated, it may escalate into periodontitis. Periodontitis occurs from plaque and tartar left on the teeth causing damage over time. Periodontitis affects the health of the surrounding bone and connective tissue. Periodontitis eventually leads to tooth loss when left untreated for a long time. Gingivitis is reversible, but periodontitis is sometimes not, depending on the severity.Â
Signs and Symptoms of PeriodontitisÂ
- Bone loss surrounding the teethÂ
- Pockets between the teeth and the gumsÂ
- Gum recessionÂ
- Tooth mobilityÂ
- Red, puffy gumsÂ
- Bad breathÂ
Be sure to see your dentist and dental hygienist at least every six months to assess the health of your teeth and gums, and thoroughly clean your teeth to remove plaque, tartar and staining. At your regular dental visits, your oral hygiene will be assessed, and tips can be given for ways to improve your home care.Â
If you believe you may have gingivitis, have any questions about it, or are due for a dental cleaning, we encourage you to contact us today to schedule an appointment.