Navigating Healthcare: A Guide to Modern Medicine and Wellness

Tag: gum disease

What Is Gingivitis?

GingivitisIt’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.

What Is Gingivitis?

GingivitisGingivitis is a form of gum disease that, if it is left untreated, can lead to periodontitis. This is a more serious form of gum disease that causes infections of the gums that can damage soft tissue and even destroy the bone structures that support your teeth. Periodontitis has even been reported as a contributing factor that can lead to serious health complications including heart disease and stroke. These are just some of the reasons gingivitis must be taken seriously. According to the AmericanAcademy of Periodontology, gingivitis is the more common form of gum disease and, even though it is a mild form of gum disease, it often leads to the more serious gum disease, periodontitis. Gingivitis can be painless, which means it often goes undetected, and therefore, neglected. The fact is, though, that gingivitis is easy to prevent. With a simple oral hygiene routine that takes just a few minutes a day, your teeth and gums should remain healthy and free of disease for the rest of your life. Here is further information on gingivitis, including the signs and symptoms to watch out for, how you and your family dentist in Clearwater can treat gingivitis, and how to prevent it in the first place.