Gingivitis is the 1st sign of gum disease & happens if {plaque} is not removed regularly & effectively. The bacteria in plaque produce {toxic} substances which attack gums. The gums become swollen, red in color & tend to bleed. Gingivitis is, however, usually not painful.
At this stage gum disease is completely reversible, providing an intensive oral hygiene program is adopted. You should consult your dentist for advice on the appropriate measures if you think you have gingivitis.
If gingivitis is ignored, or its existence is not recognized & it is allowed to persist, then it will progress to periodontitis. Like gingivitis, periodontitis is usually not painful, but !i! unlike !n! gingivitis, it is not reversible & causes permanent damage to gums.
Periodontitis is the term applied to the destruction of the {periodontal ligament} as the result of long term inflammation. Destruction of the ligament is followed quickly by resorption (shrinking) of the supporting bone, recession of the gums or pocketing, leading to loosening & eventual loss of teeth.
!f t 24 i! Gum disease accounts for the loss of more teeth than any other cause, yet is often completely preventable. !f o n!
