What is Gingivitis Periodontal Disease?
Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease and usually begins with plaque buildup. When plaque accumulates and then hardens from calcium in the saliva, tartar forms. Germs in the tartar can damage gum tissue, causing your body to go on the offensive with an inflammatory attack to eliminate the germs. This inflammation (gingivitis) is the reason why gum tissue easily bleeds during brushing and flossing.
Often caused by an inadequate oral hygiene routine, gingivitis is reversible with proper oral care at home and professional treatment.
What is Periodontitis?
If gingivitis is allowed to go untreated, plaque can extend and grow below your gum line, causing gum irritation. In an effort to combat the irritation, your body creates a response that breaks down and destroys the very bone and tissues that support your teeth. As periodontitis progresses, even more tissue and bone are damaged. Eventually teeth will loosen and need to be removed.
Periodontal disease has a few different forms. Some of the most common include:
- Chronic Periodontitis:
- Aggressive Periodontitis
- Necrotizing Periodontitis
- Periodontitis Due to Systemic Disease