Gingivitis & Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease)

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums that allows food and plaque to get trapped between the teeth and gums (below the gum line). Plaque is a thin film of bacteria that constantly forms on the surface of your teeth. Without proper dental health, plaque advances to harden and becomes tartar.

If left untreated, it can become a more severe infection known as periodontitis. Without treatment, this infection inflames the gums, which will then pull the teeth away from the gums, and the bone structure around the teeth becomes resorbed, leading to loose teeth. Loose teeth can not be repaired and must be removed. Once the damage is done, the loss of attachment of your natural teeth to the gums cannot be fixed. It can, however, be preserved and maintained at the present state with regular professional cleanings and regular home oral hygiene practices. 

Talk to your dentist about risk factors for gum disease as well as your symptoms. Your dentist also may perform X-rays to check for bone loss, and your dental hygienist will measure the depth of your pockets (from the top of the gum line to where it attaches to the tooth). The average depth is 1 to 3 millimetres.

It is crucial to be aware that these diseases can cause an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and lung disease.

The following are additional risk factors for gingivitis:

• smoking or chewing tobacco
• diabetes
• consuming certain medications
• crooked teeth
• dental appliances that fit poorly
• broken fillings
• pregnancy
• genetic factors
• compromised immunity