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Be good to your gums Good oral hygiene is the key to preven- ting gingivitis and periodontitis, two very common oral diseases that can have a negative impact on your overall health. Use this leaflet to learn and understand more about these diseases and how you, with support from your dental professional, can prevent them. Gingivitis: inflammation of the gums Periodontitis: inflammation of the gums and bone supporting teeth
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What is gingivitis? Gingivitis is very common and occurs when bacteria builds up along the gum line and between teeth. Bacteria and food deposits form a sticky mass called plaque. It must be removed properly, or your gums will react by becoming inflamed with- in a few weeks. Inflamed gums look red and swollen. They might bleed when you brush or clean between your teeth. Gingivitis is a reversible disease and can be treated with proper oral care. If the plaque is thoroughly removed from all tooth surfaces, most cases of gingivitis will heal in a couple of weeks. What is periodontitis? If not removed, plaque can cause the gingival pocket between the tooth and gum to deepen. When plaque is left to grow in the pocket, the inflammation spreads and the alveolar bone surrounding the teeth starts breaking down. As bone loss progresses, the gingival pocket deepens even more, and the tooth will become loose – or may even be lost. It is a slow process, often unnoticed and without pain. The bone loss can’t be reversed, but it can be stopped with optimal oral hygiene and professional dental treatment. Periodontitis is caused by plaque, but factors such as smoking, heredity and some systemic diseases (especially diabetes) increase the risk for developing it. Healthy gums Gum Alveolar bone Perio- dontal ligament Gingivitis Gingival pocket Bacterial plaque Periodontitis Gingival pocket Bone loss Periodontitis Gingival pocket Bone loss
