Gingivitis, The Early Stage Of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. It is caused by the plaque-forming bacteria in your mouth. While brushing and flossing removes most plaque, it is impossible to remove all of it. The remaining plaque hardens into tartar. When this tartar forms under the gumline, it can irritate and infect the gums, leading to gum disease.

Periodontal disease has two stages: gingivitis and periodontitis. The first stage, gingivitis, is the early stage of periodontal disease, where the bacteria get in between the tooth and gum, causing inflammation. During this early stage, daily brushing and flossing can likely reverse periodontal disease.

If left untreated, periodontitis, the more advanced stage of periodontal disease, can develop, causing irreversible damage to the gums, teeth and surrounding bones. Periodontitis is more serious because the tissue that holds the teeth to the bone is destroyed, causing tooth roots to be exposed and increasing decay, inflammation and receding gums, resulting in possible tooth loss.

Periodontal disease occurs when the gums or other bone around the tooth are in an advanced gingivitis state. The gums become infected with mucus, food particles, bacteria and accumulated plaque. The gums swell to the point that more plaque and food gets trapped in the pockets. The teeth will loosen and eventually fall out. Periodontal disease is a major cause of tooth loss. Even though periodontal disease is an infection of the gums, the gums are what hold the teeth in, and if the gums get weak the teeth will fall out.

It occurs when bacterial toxins and enzymes destroy the connective tissue and bone. The gums draw back, and the roots of the teeth are exposed. The teeth may become very sensitive to temperature changes, or new cavities can develop. The pocket between the tooth and the gums deepens; plaque in this area is very difficult to remove. Bacteria invade the surrounding structures. When the gums pull away from the teeth, pus develops between the teeth and the gums or the permanent teeth become loose in their sockets. Only a dentist can decide whether the teeth can be saved.