Brushing And Flossing Reverses Gingivitis.

Gum disease (periodontal disease) is an infection of the tissues and bones that surround and support the teeth. Gum disease can vary from mild (gingivitis), which causes the gums to bleed easily when brushed, to severe (periodontitis), in which the bones that support the teeth are damaged and which can lead to tooth loss.

Gum disease starts with plaque on the teeth, a sticky white substance that coats teeth. It’s formed when bacteria in the mouth mixes with saliva and residues from starchy foods and sugar in your diet.

If plaque isn’t properly removed from teeth by brushing and flossing, it accumulates and hardens underneath the gum line into tartar. Once tartar builds up, it’s much more difficult to remove than plaque and usually requires a cleaning at the dentist. Over time, it can lead to inflamed gums, or gingivitis. This is a mild form of gum disease.

Lots of bacteria reside in your mouth. Plaque forms when bacteria and saliva come together. You get rid of plaque when you floss and brush, and when you visit your dentist regularly to remove excess plaque below the gum line. Tartar is hardened plaque. Tartar causes gingivitis, a condition characterized by inflammation, swelling, and bleeding in the gums. Brushing and flossing reverses gingivitis.

Untreated gingivitis leads to periodontitis. In periodontitis, the inflammation stretches below the gum line and into the tissues surrounding the tooth. The gum begins to pull away and form deep infectious pockets called periodontal pockets. The infections spread and damage bone, ultimately ending in the removal of the tooth.

Pain and discomfort brought by gum disease can be avoided by having a clean and healthy mouth and it can be achieved by having a superior oral hygiene and regular dental visit to ensure that gums and teeth are in good shape, and if unrecognizable symptoms of swollen gums and gum disease are detected, early diagnosis and treatment can be administered.