Gingivitis (Gum Disease)

Gingivitis is simply the first stage of gum disease.  Most people don’t realize it but gum disease is actually a condition involving three stages.  Gingivitis, the first stage, is completely treatable and reversible.

Gingivitis is nothing to play with; gingivitis is caused by the bacteria in plaque which is a thin film that is constantly covering your teeth.  If not removed, this plaque builds up and can release toxins which irritate the gums.

Listed below you will see the three stages of gum disease:

• Gingivitis – The first stage of gum disease.  This early form of gum disease is totally reversible.  At this stage you will notice an inflammation of the gums which will bleed and hurt when brushed.  Gentle persistent brushing for at least two minutes, twice a day, followed by flossing will normally remove the plaque that has built up along the gum line.  This plaque contains bacteria which release toxins and irritate the gum tissue causing gingivitis.
• Periodontitis – This stage of gum disease is much worse.  At this stage of gum disease, the supporting bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place have been irreversibly damaged.  In fact, your gums may even begin to develop a pocket below the gum line.  This pocket may trap food and even more plaque causing further harm.  Proper dental treatment and improved oral hygiene can help to prevent further damage.
• Advanced Periodontitis – This is the final stage of gum disease, and if you’ve reached this stage, dentures or dental implants (if the bone is strong enough) are right around the corner.  At this stage, the bone and fibers supporting your teeth have been destroyed.  This will typically cause your teeth to shift and loosen.  This will most likely affect the way you bite and which foods you can eat.  If aggressive treatment can not save the teeth, then the teeth may have to be removed.

As you can see, you do not want gum disease to progress beyond the gingivitis stage.  In fact, do yourself a favor and practice good oral hygiene for healthy and white teeth.

So how do you know if you have gingivitis or gum disease?

A list is provided below discussing several symptoms of gum disease:

• Red, puffy, swollen, or tender gums
• Your gums bleed during regular proper brushing and flossing
• Your teeth may look longer because the gums have receded
• Gums may pull away from teeth creating pockets
• Your teeth may change in the way that they fit together which may be especially noticeable when you bite
• Pus coming from between your teeth and gums
• Constant bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth

Treatment of Gum Disease

The early stage of gum disease (gingivitis), is often reversible by just brushing (for at least two minutes) and flossing two to three times a day.  Major plaque buildup that has developed into tartar must be removed by your dentist, and then you just need to make certain that you improve your oral hygiene.  You will notice improvements beginning with your gums no longer bleeding and hurting when you brush.

Advanced gum disease will require much more invasive procedures such as root planning.  Root planning is a painful procedure that involves grinding down rough spots on the root to reduce plaques ability to form.

The point of all this is simple; take care of your teeth, practice good oral hygiene, and then worry about tooth whitening, and cosmetic dentistry techniques to provide you with a smile that is healthy both inside and out.