Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the medical term for periodontal (gum) 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 without proper dental maintenance. Although gum disease is the major cause of tooth loss in adults, in many cases it is avoidable.
Periodontal disease originates in the gums, where 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. Untreated infections from the bacteria can cause the gums to separate from the teeth, creating ideal environments for further infection and decay and other health related problems including abscesses, bone loss and periodontitis.
Root planning, which involves cleaning and scraping below the gumline to smooth the roots, is one way to treat periodontitis. If effective, this procedure helps the gums reattach themselves to the tooth structure.
