What is gum disease?
Your gums react to the presence of bacteria in plaque and tartar deposits around the gum line. It’s an immune-system response that causes the gums to become inflamed and can, as a result, bleed when you brush. Irritated gums are the main symptom of gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease. This stage is reversible through cleaning away the bacteria that’s causing the gums to react. Hygienists can clean away the bacteria, allowing your gums to recover.
If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to a more aggressive stage, periodontitis, as the gum tissue starts to recede and degrade as bacteria enters the tissue. It’s dangerous for any bacteria to enter the bloodstream so preventing this stage is crucial for your oral and general health. Periodontitis can be managed through removing tartar and plaque that has formed under the gum line on the tooth roots.