Danny De Villiers Dentist

40 High Street, Weybridge, Surrey, KT13 8AB

01932 989785

Gingivitis: The First

Step to Periodontitis

Gingivitis: The First Step to Periodontitis

Whilst it is more popularly known for dental care to involve the teeth, most neglect the other

aspects of its care that can lead to major dental diseases. One of the major illnesses being

periodontitis, also known as gum disease, which 15% of adults in the UK are said to suffer from.

However, the condition is said to be experienced by individuals at least once in their life.

Despite having healthy pearly whites, the mouth and the gums greatly contribute to the

overall dental health. The best solution to avoid the severe condition is to take preventative actions

against the first step of periodontitis: Gingivitis.

What is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is characterised by the swelling and infection of the tissue surrounding and

supporting the teeth. The common culprit of which is poor dental hygiene, which leads to plaque

and tartar formation and deterioration of the gums’ health.

The condition’s symptoms and effects worsen and risk the onset of bad breath and sensitive

gums. An indicator of the latter being bleeding when brushing the teeth.

Some of the indicators of gingivitis include having receding, reddish and puffy gums and

evident plaque formation. This is mainly because of the two main categories of gingival diseases:

• Dental plaque-induced gingival disease

• Non-plaque induced gingival lesions

If left untreated, the simple gum inflammation condition can lead to complications like the

accumulation of abscess and the development of periodontitis.

What is Periodontitis?

Periodontitis is a disease that affects the gums and over time, may cause teeth loss. The

disease causes the thinning of the vital tissue that holds teeth in place and creates a space between

the teeth and the jaw. This allows the decay of the jawbone and teeth at the same time.

Aside from poor dental hygiene, other factors that increase the likelihood of acquiring the

disease include stress, family history and bad habits—drug addiction and smoking.

Preventative Measures

To avoid the early onset of periodontitis, it is best to address gingivitis immediately. Its simple

and minor effects should not be taken lightly, as it makes one susceptible to periodontitis.

The immediate action should be improving dental hygiene; this includes more frequent brushing of

teeth, flossing and even gargling antiseptic mouthwashes.

Before any major treatment, it is best to first seek the advice of a trusted dental practitioner

to get better results.

Sources:

http://www.bsperio.org.uk/patients/

http://www.dannythedentist.co.uk/

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Gum-disease/Pages/Introduction.aspx