What is gingivitis?

Gingivitis is one of the most common diseases of the body and is often a forerunner of periodontitis. Gingivitis means an inflammatory change of the gum. The tissue immediately adjoining the tooth at the neck is reddened and swollen and bleeds on contact

Because it bleeds while brushing, one is tempted to spare that area and not clean it thoroughly. But exactly the opposite is right: at the inflamed places the deposits have to be removed particularly thoroughly. Gingivitis can be cured and can be improved by better dental care at home

The danger of untreated gingivitis: in the long run it can endanger the tissue holding the teeth – periodontitis can develop at one or more teeth. If gingivitis and the periodontitis that arises from it are not treated, inflammation can destroy the fibres that connect the teeth to the jawbone. As it progresses, this inflammation can lead to the loss of bone. Without the fibres and bone that hold them, the teeth begin to loosen and may be lost. Alongside caries, periodontal disease and receding gums are the most common cause of tooth loss

Gingivitis usually begins in the spaces between the teeth, caused by bacterial contamination and plaque. It is one of the most common diseases of the body and often a forerunner of periodontitis. Gingivitis means an inflammatory change of the gum. The tissue immediately adjoining the tooth at the neck (the papilla) is reddened or swollen and bleeds on contact with an interdental brush or a dental probe

More detailed information can be found at www.parodontologie-berater.de