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 within 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 most cases will heal in a couple of weeks. Just make sure to thoroughly clean all five sides of your teeth twice daily! 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 (jaw bone) surrounding the teeth starts breaking down. As bone loss progresses, the gingival pocket deepens even more, and the tooth will become loose – and may even need to be taken out. 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 things like smoking, heredity and some systemic diseases (especially diabetes) increase the risk for developing it. Healthy gums Periodontitis Gingival pocket Gum Alveolar bone Perio- dontal ligament Gingivitis Gingival pocket Bone loss Periodontitis Gingival pocket Bacterial plaque Bone loss
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