Gingivitis is early stage gum disease which affects only the gums and not the surrounding bone and tissue. Symptoms include gum inflammation and bleeding. It is a serious problem which afflects up to 90% of adults, but it is treatable and reversible. If left untreated, it can develop into periodontitis.
Gingivitis is an inflammation and infection of the gums. It can be caused by trauma to the gums or by irritating rough edges of teeth or dental work, but is usually caused by plaque. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms daily on our teeth. Newly formed plaque can be removed by brushing and flossing, but plaque that is not removed hardens into tartar or calculus. This hard layer of tartar forms at and below the gumline and cannot be removed by brushing. Tartar causes irritation of the gums. The resulting inflammation and infection of the gums is called gingivitis. Untreated, this condition can develop into a serious gum disease, called periodontitis.
Periodontitis is advanced gum disease. While gingivitis (the earlier stage of gum disease), affects only the gums, periodontitis is inflammation and infection that has spread to the bone supporting the teeth.
Periodontitis is caused by plaque, which unremoved, causes a gum infection which spreads to surrounding tissue. Untreated gingivitis creates pockets of plaque, tartar and bacteria between your teeth and gums. This spreads infection below the gums, eventually causing bone and tissue loss. This condition, known as periodontitis, is the biggest cause of adult tooth loss.
Periodontitis will appear as:
Periodontitis is advanced gum disease, which results from untreated gingivitis. If you have symptoms of gingivitis, contact us for a thorough examination and treatment. You can reduce the risk of gingivitis greatly by:
Since there are often no outward symptoms of periodontal disease in its early stages, it is very important that you have regular dental check-ups.
Our team at Evercare Dental Group can determine if you are at risk for periodontal disease and begin necessary periodontal disease treatments. Treatments for periodontal disease will vary by patient but will include scaling and root planning. In some cases a referral to a periodontist is indicated
Periodontitis is the major cause of adult tooth loss. Not only are your gums, teeth and the bones of your jaw at risk, but the infection and bacteria from periodontitis can lead to heart disease. If you have any symptoms of gingivitis and periodontitis, contact us at Evercare Dental Group for a thorough examination and treatment.
To book an appointment please call; Eltham 03 9439 1772 or Bulleen 03 9852 3865