Gum Disease (Gingivitis)

Gum Disease (Gingivitis)

  • Created in Dental Problems

Gingivitis is the medical term for early gum disease, or periodontal disease. Gingivitis occurs if there is long-term exposure to plaque, the sticky but colorless film on teeth that forms after eating.  This irritates the gums and causes inflammation which presents in the mouth as bleeding gums.

Chronic inflammation of the gums and tissue when untreated will cause the gums to separate from the teeth, creating more opportunity for bacteria to damage the tissue.  This damage can lead to serious problems such as abscesses and bone loss. Gum disease that leads to bone loss as periodontal disease.  Periodontitis can be treated with a deep cleaning, laser therapy or with surgery.  If effective, these procedure helps the gums reattach themselves to the tooth structure to prevent further bones loss, tooth mobility or tooth loss.