Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease
Gingivitis is identified as swelling within the tissues of the gums. When plaque and tartar build up across the gum line, the gums will ultimately get swollen and irritated. After some time, the gums will get very sensitive and begin to look puffy. When you brush your teeth, you’ll notice that your gums have become really sore and they will quickly bleed with little to no stress. If you see blood when brushing, odds are you have gingivitis. Whenever you brush your teeth or floss, there shouldn’t be any hint of blood.
With this stage of gingivitis, there is no loss in bone structure. You can help to prevent gingivitis though, by means of flossing and brushing a few times a day. When you have gingivitis and you don’t do something about it, it may lead to periodontal disease. People who don’t deal with gingivitis or people who keep bad oral hygiene habits will typically end up getting periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease is a problem in which the bone and encircling structures are damaged. Even though this kind of mouth disorder cannot be corrected, you may put a stop to its development when you go to your dentist on a regular basis and brushing your teeth a few times day. Periodontal disease is really a serious condition, which is why you should always attempt to cease the development or even better – never let your gums and teeth get this bad.
If you don’t do something positive about the development of periodontal disease, the situation will still get worse. Throughout the early phases of the disease, you’ll notice that your gums seem to be bright red, and very sore. This is a result of the plaque building up below the gum line. When left untreated, the plaque and tartar that is below the gums will continue to eat at the teeth.
Both periodontal disease and gingivitis aren’t normally painful and both tend to progress in a gradual fashion. Although you may not be aware that you have either of the two initially, the symptoms and signs will quickly show in the later stages. When the later stages have begun to progress, you will normally end up the loss of the tooth.
To be on the safe side and protect your teeth and your gums, it is wise to see a dentist for your frequent checkups and cleaning. If you catch it in time, your dentist should be able to assist you to treat the earlier phases of gum disease. You don’t want to wait until it is too late, as the more advanced stages of gum disease can entirely destroy your gums and teeth – and you will have little to nothing that can be done about it.