Gum disease or Gingivitis is an oral disease that leads to inflammation of the gums and is usually caused by bacterial infections. Gum disease is a highly preventable disease and yet continues to be the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Symptoms and Dangers of Gum Disease (Gingivitis) are a must know for everyone so that gingivitis can be prevented and treated in time. Below is a list of symptoms and dangers of Gum Disease (Gingivitis):

Symptoms of Gingivitis

The most common symptoms of gingivitis are:

• Bleeding gums especially after brushing or flossing one’s teeth
• Persistent foul breath and bad taste in mouth
• Shifting or loose teeth
• Tender, red or swollen gums
• Malocclusion or change in the way the teeth fit together when one bites
• Sensitive teeth
• Deep pockets between teeth and gums
• Gum recession where the gums around the teeth shrink or wear away
• Pain during chewing
• Pus between teeth and gums

Dangers of Gingivitis

In order to prevent and treat gum disease, it is essential to be aware of both symptoms and dangers of Gum Disease (Gingivitis). In order to take reasonable precautions and beware of this rather common condition, it is essential that everyone knows about both the symptoms and dangers of Gum Disease (Gingivitis) because even though as a condition itself gingivitis is a minor, curable issue and if left untreated, it may lead to serious health problems. Below are the main dangers of gingivitis:

• Inflammation and pain

  In the early stages of gingivitis, the bacteria build up causes gum inflammation that may be painful and bleeds easily during tooth brushing or flossing. However, at this stage, while the irritation of the gums may be uncomfortable and sometimes painful, the damages are reversible as the teeth are still firmly lodged in the sockets and no permanent tissue/bone damage has occurred at this stage.

• Periodontitis

  Gingivitis, if left untreated, may develop into periodontitis, a more severe oral condition, where the inner layer of gum and teeth pull away from each other, creating pockets where unwanted dental plaque collects and eventually gets infected.

• Tooth Loss

  Gingivitis is caused by a buildup of bacteria that leads to inflammation which may then develop into an infection. While gingivitis is curable, if left untreated, it may lead to soreness, swelling, and formation of pockets around gums and teeth leading to periodontitis. As the immune system fights the infection caused by periodontitis, the enzymes involved in fighting the infection start breaking down the connection between tooth and gum, leading to loosening of the tooth and eventually tooth loss. Gingivitis is, therefore, a leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

It is important to remember that untreated gingivitis is a leading cause of periodontitis, but not all gingivitis develops into periodontitis. However, untreated gingivitis is a periodontal risk and must not be ignored. In order to prevent possible occurrence of periodontitis and eventual tooth loss, it is essential to treat gingivitis at the earliest. Consult a doctor when the effects of the symptoms are severe.

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