Gingivitis is a early form of gum disease. There is usually
no pain associated with it; approximately
75 percent of adults
in the United States have gingivitis, and are not aware of
it.
Gingivitis and its effects are reversible if treated early. If it
is allowed to
continue untreated, however, the next step
would be Periodontal
Disease.
Causes
of Gingivitis Plaque,
the sticky substance
made of food and bacteria that forms on your teeth,is
the
main cause of gingivitis and periodontal disease.
If not removed each day, it
can build up and mineralize,
which is then called tartar. The bacteria that thrive
in tartar
produce toxins. Your body's reaction to tartar is to
destroy the bone
that surrounds your teeth.
When
bone is lost the support of your teeth is weakened,
eventually allowing your teeth
to become loose. Since
the bone will not grow back, your teeth may need to
be
removed.
We
treat gingivitis early, before it can cause irreversible
damage and tooth loss.
The warning signs of gingivitis are:
-
red gums
-
gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
-
swollen gums
-
bad breath that does not go away
