All you need to know about gingivitis and periodontitis
Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is a widespread oral infection that affects the tissue that surrounds and supports the teeth. It can manifest in different forms from mild inflammation to more advanced, damaging stages. Severe periodontal diseases represent more than one billion people worldwide and are one of the leading causes of tooth loss. Periodontal disease can be classified into two main forms: Gingivitis and Periodontitis.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of periodontal disease, manifested as mild inflammation of the gums. It causes redness, swelling and bleeding of the gingiva, the part of the gum at the base of the tooth. The most common causes of gingivitis is poor care of the teeth and gums, which causes bacteria to stick to the tooth surface and harden, forming plaque. Gingivitis is often reversible, with improved oral hygiene, such as regular and thorough brushing and flossing.
However, if left untreated, it can progress onto more severe and destructive stages of periodontal disease.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a chronic and irreversible inflammatory condition of the gums and the supporting structures of the tooth. It usually occurs when existing gum inflammation and plaque build-up are left untreated.
It begins when bacteria interact with proteins found on the tooth surface, leading to plaque formation. As the plaque builds-up, oxygen levels decrease, marking the progression from gingivitis to periodontitis. This triggers an exaggerated immune response to combat the infection.
If ignored in the initial stages, the infection worsens, breaking down the ligaments, soft tissues and bone that support the teeth. The severe complication of periodontitis often leads to tooth loss, as the loss of support results in teeth loosening and eventually falling out.
What increases your risk for gum disease?
Several risk factors can influence how the body responds to gum disease. These include smoking, age, gender, and underlying conditions such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. Genetic factors also play a role in periodontal disease, helping to identify those at higher risk.
Conclusion
Periodontal disease is a serious but preventable condition that compromises the supporting structures of your teeth. Practising good oral hygiene at home can reduce the risk of infection and inflammation. Regular dental visits can aid in early detection and intervention. Lifestyle factors such as smoking or underlying conditions can increase risk of gum disease, making effective management crucial for maintaining healthy gums.
Works Cited:
Weiß, Katja & Hieke, Cathleen & Müller-Hilke, Brigitte & Nakata, Masanobu & Kreikemeyer, Bernd. (2018). Oral Biofilms from Symbiotic to Pathogenic Interactions and Associated Disease –Connection of Periodontitis and Rheumatic Arthritis by Peptidylarginine Deiminase. Frontiers in Microbiology. 9. 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00053.
World Health Organization (2023). Oral health. [online] World Health Organization. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/oral-health.
Mayo Clinic (2017). Gingivitis - Symptoms and causes. [online] Mayo Clinic. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gingivitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354453.
Mehrotra N, Singh S. Periodontitis. [Updated 2023 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541126/
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