The Early Stage Of Gum Disease (Gingivitis)

Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease, an infection of the tissues that surround and support the teeth. The cause is plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth and creates toxins that can damage gums. The bacteria also form acids from starchy foods, which can lead to tooth decay.

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gum tissue due to a build of plaque or tartar around the gum line and if treated can be reversed. If left untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontitis which is far more serious and is irreversible but can be stopped from progressing any further.

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.

Gingivitis can progress quickly or slowly. In many people, after gingivitis first appears, it develops very slowly and may never lead to permanent bone loss or cause the gaps between the gum line and teeth that are seen in periodontitis. But for others, gingivitis may quickly turn into a serious dental disease. This is probably due to a combination of poor immune defenses and poor plaque removal. When plaque is found at or just below the gum line, it can trigger gum irritation.

Because pain is not usually a symptom of gingivitis, many people do not seek treatment. If not treated, gum disease can progress to advanced gum disease (periodontitis), which may lead to loss of teeth.

Gingivitis is a dental condition that can occur in childhood but more commonly first appears in early adulthood. Usually, gingivitis occurs when plaque forms in the space between the gum and tooth (the gum line known as gingival sulcrus). Bacteria thrive on plaque, cause inflammation of the gum and eventually damage gum tissue. If plaque is not routinely removed during regular brushing and flossing, the gum tissue around the teeth becomes red, swollen and bleeds after even gentle brushing.