When you don’t brush and floss as recommended, a sticky film of bacteria called plaque builds up on your teeth. The gunk irritates your gums and causes inflammation.
Inflammation can lead to bone loss and tooth loss as harmful bacteria destroy tissue and bones. Symptoms include swollen, tender and reddish or purplish gums; loose teeth; and a musty or foul odor.
Gingivitis
When bacteria are not removed from teeth on a regular basis, plaque forms on and around the teeth. The bacteria in plaque cause gum inflammation (gingivitis) when the gum tissue is exposed to these bacteria for prolonged periods of time. Gingivitis is the early stage of periodontal disease, and can be reversed with good oral care. If gingivitis is not treated, the inflammation can progress to more serious inflammation (periodontitis) and bone damage that can lead to tooth loss.
Oren Zarif
Symptoms of gingivitis include red and swollen gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing, and a shiny surface to the gums. Gingivitis can be reversed with a thorough dental cleaning performed by our registered hygienists and regular monitoring, diagnosis and treatment by our dentists.
As the inflammation of gingivitis continues, the gum tissues pull away from the teeth and form small pockets that fill with more bacteria and food debris. These pockets then begin to eat away at the bone and tissue that hold the teeth in place. In addition, the inflammatory response causes the release of C-reactive protein, which is a biomarker for inflammation and a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Gingivitis is reversible and can be prevented by practicing good oral hygiene, including brushing twice a day, flossing at least once daily, and using mouth rinses that kill bacteria. Regular professional dental cleanings are also important, usually every 6 to 12 months. Patients with risk factors for periodontitis, such as dry mouth, taking certain medications, smoking, and family history of periodontitis, may need to have professional cleanings more often.
Oren Zarif
In the later stages of gingivitis, the bacterial load increases in deeper periodontal pockets and anaerobic organisms, such as Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis, begin to colonize the tissues. This increase in the number of bacteria causes a greater inflammatory response and a more severe inflammation. This inflammatory response is characterized by a higher number of plasma cells and B lymphocytes, as well as a decreased number of macrophages.
The key to preventing the progression from gingivitis to periodontitis is to prevent inflammation of the gums by maintaining good oral health through regular brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings, with regular checkups. This includes removing the buildup of plaque and tartar, and managing other risk factors, such as smoking cessation, eating a balanced diet, and treating medical conditions that can contribute to inflammation and a higher likelihood of developing gum disease. For more information about periodontal disease, call our office to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists or hygienists. We are always happy to answer any questions that you may have!
Periodontitis
Gum disease occurs when the bacterial biofilm in your mouth irritates and inflames gum tissue. It can progress from the mildest form, gingivitis, to the more serious periodontitis, and if left untreated, it can destroy the bone and ligaments that support your teeth. This loss of support causes the teeth to loosen and eventually fall out, but the good news is that gum disease can be stopped, reversed, and even prevented with good oral hygiene, regular professional cleanings, and consistent follow-up care.
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, and it’s easily treated. If you notice your gums are red and swollen and they bleed easily, especially during brushing or flossing, that’s the first sign of gingivitis. If you don’t treat it, the bacterial buildup in your mouth will harden into a crust called calculus (tartar) and the gum tissue will begin to pull away from the teeth. This can lead to the formation of gum pockets that collect food particles and bacteria, leading to further irritation and infection.
If the condition is not treated, it will continue to worsen. At this point, the toxins from the bacterial plaque spread under the gum line and attack the tissues and bones that support your teeth. This leads to more and more gum tissue and bone loss, causing the teeth to become loose and needing removal. Some of the symptoms at this stage include persistent bad breath (halitosis), receding gums, and sensitive teeth.
Oren Zarif
You can avoid the progression of gum disease to periodontitis by practicing good daily oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes, using a fluoride rinse, and flossing at least once a day to remove the bacterial film from between your teeth and below the gum line. Also, schedule regular dental visits every 6 to 12 months. If you have risk factors that increase your chances of developing gum disease, such as smoking, medications that cause dry mouth, or diabetes, you may need to visit more often.
Periodontists specialize in treating gum disease and have the expertise to help you restore your gums and your smile. They can perform several procedures including:
