Gum inflammation, mostly caused by bacteria, is called gingivitis. It is quite common and in the majority of cases harmless.
However, a seemingly harmless gum problem can conceal the onset of periodontitis. If inflamed gums do not heal completely within a few days, you should consult your dentist.
Periodontitis is a chronic and painless inflammation of the gums caused by certain bacteria. Contrary to gingivitis, it entails a largely irreversible destruction of the tissues sourrounding the tooth (gums, cementum, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone).
Bone loss around the teeth caused by periodontitis is one of the most common diseases in the oral cavity in patients older than 35 years. When left untreated, it will inevitably lead to the loss of the affected teeth.
Nevertheless, periodontitis is still underestimated. This assumption is proven to be wrong: In adulthood, periodontal disease causes more tooth loss than tooth decay. And in addition to that, periodontitis is strongly associated with a high risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Ask us how to keep it at bay.
