Gingivitis is the inflammation of your gums and usually precedes periodontitis which is gum disease. However, it is important to know that not all gingivitis progresses to periodontitis.

The bacteria in plaque build up on your teeth causes the gums to become inflamed. This is when your teeth easily begin to bleed during tooth brushing. When your gums get irritated, your teeth are still firmly planted in their sockets. No irreversible bone or other tissue damage has occurred at this stage.

When you leave gingivitis left untreated, it can then go to the next stage which is called periodontitis. People with periodontitis, the inner layer of your gums and bone start to pull away from your teeth and form pockets. The small spaces between your teeth and gums will collect food and bacteria which will then become infected. Your body’s immune system will then start to fight the bacteria as the plague spreads and grows under your gum line. Toxins and poisons which are produced by the bacteria in the plaque as well as your own body’s good enzymes which fight the infections will start to break down the bone and connective tissue which holds your teeth in the sockets. The longer you let this disease progress, the pockets will get deeper and your gum tissue and bone will be destroyed. If this happens, your teeth are no longer being held in the sockets and are no longer anchored in place. They will then become loose and then tooth loss starts to occur. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. 

To help protect yourself from this happening, we suggest visiting us at Smiles Of Round Lake at least twice a year.