Also, ongoing inflammation can put a strain on your immune system, causing other health problems.įactors that can increase your risk of periodontitis include: Eventually you may lose one or more teeth. If not treated, these deep infections cause a loss of tissue and bone.

These pockets fill with plaque, tartar and bacteria and become deeper over time. Eventually this causes deep pockets to form between your gums and teeth.

Ongoing gum irritation and swelling, called inflammation, can cause periodontitis.

Gingivitis can be reversed with professional treatment and good home oral care, but only if treated early before you have bone loss. Gingivitis is irritation and swelling of the gum tissue around the base of your teeth.

Plaque can cause gingivitis, the mildest form of gum disease.

Because plaque and tartar are filled with bacteria, the longer they stay on your teeth, the more damage they can do. You can't get rid of it by brushing and flossing - you need a professional dental cleaning to remove it.

Plaque can harden under your gumline into tartar if it stays on your teeth.

Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day removes plaque, but plaque quickly comes back.

Plaque forms on your teeth when starches and sugars in food interact with bacteria commonly found in your mouth.

If not treated, here's how plaque can advance over time to periodontitis: Plaque is a sticky film mainly made up of bacteria. In most cases, the development of periodontitis starts with plaque.

The sooner you get care, the better your chances of reversing damage from periodontitis.

If you notice any symptoms of periodontitis, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.

A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite.įollow your dentist's recommended schedule for regular checkups.

Gums that pull away from your teeth, making your teeth look longer than usual, called receding gums.

New spaces that develop between your teeth that look like black triangles.

Spitting out blood when brushing or flossing your teeth.

A toothbrush that looks pink after brushing your teeth.

Bright red, dark red or dark purple gums.

They may range from light pink in some people to dark pink and brown in others. Healthy gums are firm and fit snugly around teeth.

After effects pointy stroke