Gingivitis

It’s probably safe to say that everybody has heard the term ‘gingivitis.’ Most people probably even know that gingivitis is gum disease. But do you know the impact it can have on your oral health? Yes, put simply, gingivitis is gum disease. The problem is that it’s not simple at all. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to more serious oral health problems such as periodontitis, which is an inflammatory disease that affects the tissues surrounding and supporting your teeth. Once periodontitis sets in, it can cause bone loss which can then lead to tooth loss. The American Academy of Periodontology, a non-profit membership association for periodontists, lists gingivitis as a common, mild form of gum disease. Doesn’t sound so bad, right? Wrong! If this mild form of gum disease goes unchecked, it can lead to less common and far more serious forms of gum disease that can threaten the health of your teeth and its supporting structures. Thankfully, gingivitis often is easily prevented. It can even be treated once you get it, but why risk it? Why not just prevent it in the first place?! Following is more information on gingivitis, its causes, and what you can do to avoid getting it.