Healthy gums
Gingivitis: gums red,swollen & bleed easily
Gingivitis
A mild form of the disease, gingivitis, the gums are red, swollen and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort. Gingivitis is reversible with good oral hygiene and treatment.
Untreated gingivitis may progress to the more severe and destructive forms of gum diseases, known as periodontitis.
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Healthy gums |
Gingivitis: gums red,swollen & bleed easily |
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Periodontitis
Plaque can spread and grow gradually below the gum line. Infection and inflammation spreads from the gums to the ligaments and bone that support the teeth. Periodontitis is irreversible but you can stop its progression through good oral hygiene and professional treatment. Untreated periodontitis will lead to progressive bone loss around teeth, looseness of the teeth and eventual tooth loss.
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Early Periodontitis Gums separate from tooth Some bone loss |
Advanced Periodontitis Tooth may become loose Severe bone loss. Pus may develop |
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The main cause of gum diseases is bacterial plaque that adhere to tooth surfaces. This plaque if left undisturbed will become calculus (tartar)
Treatment
Treatment basically involves removing these bacterial plaque and calculus from the tooth surfaces below the gum level, using professional scraping instruments. Local anaesthetics is usually given to alleviate the discomfort.
Regular dental visits and home care with brushing and flossing are essential to help keep periodontal disease from becoming more serious or recurring. Other means of cleaning between your teeth with interproximal brushes and the use of mouth rinses may also be recommended.
