Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a term we hear about on TV and in the media all the time. It is actually the most common disease in the world. But what is it? It is an inflammatory process(like arthritis) AND an infectious process (like a staph infection) that causes the gums to lose their normal anatomy and SWELL UP with fluid and excess blood. It comes in three stages:  mild, moderate, or severe. You can see it yourself fairly easily if you look into your own mouth when you have the moderate or severe varieties. It comes from “plaque”. Plaque is a combination of bacteria, food particles, and exfoliated or dead gum cells.

Plaque can be made “worse” by the chemical nature of certain types of food that we eat. Plaque also must be controlled by two methods: what you do at home and visiting the dentist’s office on time.

Either method done alone, or poorly, will automatically lead to tooth loss and dentures. There are basic treatments in the dental office: basic regular cleanings if only minor gingivitis is present, and “deep cleaing gum treatment” if significant gingivitis is present.Significant gingivitis that is left alone or untreated turns into “PERIODINTITIS”. More about that next time. Keep smiling!