Gingivitis is the medical
term for early gum disease, or periodontal disease. In general, gum disease can
be caused by long-term exposure
to plaque, the sticky but colorless film on teeth that forms after eating or
sleeping.
Gum disease originates in the gums, where infections form from
harmful bacteria and other materials left behind from eating. Early warning
signs include chronic bad breath, tender or painful swollen gums and minor
bleeding after brushing or flossing. In many cases, however, gingivitis can go
unnoticed. The infections can eventually cause the gums to separate from the
teeth, creating even greater opportunities for infection and decay.
Although gum disease is the major cause of tooth loss in adults,
in many cases it is avoidable.
If gingivitis goes untreated, more serious problems such as
abscesses, bone loss or periodontitis can occur.
Periodontitis is treated in a number of ways. One method, called
root planing, involved cleaning and scraping below the gum line to smooth the
roots. If effective, this procedure helps the gums reattach themselves to the
tooth structure. However, not all instances of scaling and root planing
successfully reattach the tooth to the gums. Additional measures may be
needed if the periodontal pockets persist after scaling and root planing
Pregnancy has also been known to cause a form of gingivitis.
This has been linked to hormonal changes in the woman’s body that promote
plaque production.