Your gums and underlying bone provide an important foundation for your teeth and dental work, so it’s important to keep them healthy. And while every mouth contains both healthy and harmful bacteria, sometimes the harmful bacteria can infect the gums and form spaces or gaps around the teeth, known as pockets. These pockets are a sign that you may have gum disease (periodontal disease)—the #1 cause of adult tooth loss in the United States.

Gingivitis

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. It causes the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage. Gingivitis is caused by inadequate oral hygiene, which plaque builds up on and around the teeth and the gum. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care.

Periodontitis

Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. With time, plaque can spread and grow below the gum line. Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. The toxins stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the body in essence turns on itself, and the tissues and bone that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed. Gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums) that become infected. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Often, this destructive process has very mild symptoms. Eventually, teeth can become loose and may have to be removed.

Call or Click for your gum evaluation and treatment (909) 945-2002

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