Do you have red, irritated, or swollen gums? Do your gums bleed when you brush and floss? You may have gum disease, an infection that damages the soft tissue and bone supporting the teeth.
There are two major forms of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. The earlier stage and most mild form, gingivitis, is caused by the buildup of plaque around the gum line which causes inflammation. Without proper brushing and flossing, the plaque will continue to accumulate and trap bacteria, worsening symptoms and complicating treatment. Other symptoms of gingivitis, such as gum tenderness, spaces between the gums and teeth, and gums that bleed easily may occur.
When gingivitis is treated early, it can be reversed. Unfortunately, many symptoms of gingivitis go unnoticed and untreated. If you notice bleeding gums, treatment may be necessary to prevent the progression to periodontitis, an advanced stage of gum disease that causes tooth and bone loss. For this reason, immediate treatment by a gingivitis dentist, or periodontist, is necessary to avoid further damage and tooth loss caused by infected gums.
