Gingivitis, or gum disease in general, is an inflammatory condition affecting the tissues surrounding the teeth due to bacteria accumulating on the tooth surface and below the gum line.
These bacteria develop due to neglecting regular brushing, leading to the formation of plaque and tartar, which irritate the gums and trigger inflammation.
What is gingivitis?
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and is the most common and least serious stage if treated early.
This type of inflammation occurs when plaque accumulates on the edges of the teeth due to insufficient daily brushing or flossing.
At this stage, there is no erosion of the bone or deep tissues, meaning the condition is completely treatable if addressed promptly through improved oral hygiene and regular dental checkups.
Symptoms of Gingivitis
Symptoms of gingivitis and gum inflammation appear gradually and are often mild at first, leading many to ignore them. The most prominent symptoms include:
noticeable redness of the gums
slight swelling or puffiness of the tissues
bleeding while brushing or flossing
persistent bad breath
gum sensitivity when eating or drinking.
These symptoms are early indicators of a problem and should not be ignored to prevent the condition from progressing to more website serious stages.
What is Periodontitis?
If gingivitis is not treated in its early stages, it can progress to a more serious condition known as periodontitis.
At this stage, the inflammation is no longer confined to the gums but begins to affect the deeper tissues and bone that support the teeth.
This progression causes teeth to lose some of their stability and, over time, can lead to tooth mobility or loss if appropriate medical intervention is not sought.
Symptoms of Periodontitis
The symptoms of this stage are more pronounced and severe compared to the initial stage of gum inflammation and include:
Gum recession and exposure of tooth roots
Increased tooth mobility or a feeling of instability
Persistent bleeding of the gums, even without brushing
A strong odor of breath that does not disappear despite brushing
Pain when chewing or applying pressure to the teeth
In some cases, pus may appear between the gums and teeth
These symptoms indicate a serious progression of the condition that requires immediate attention from a dentist.