Gingivitis (often referred to as gum disease) is a condition which causes your gums to become red, inflamed and swollen. It can cause your gums to bleed when you brush your teeth.
Gingivitis is normally caused by a build-up of plaque on the teeth. Plaque is a sticky substance made up of bacteria, which is usually removed when you brush your teeth. However, if plaque is left to build up on your teeth, the bacteria will release toxins which can irritate your gums, making them painful.
Who gets gingivitis?
Most people have a mild case of gingivitis during their lifetime. It's important to look after your teeth and gums, and to have any case of gingivitis sufficiently treated. A mild case of gingivitis can usually be treated simply with a good oral hygiene routine, including brushing your teeth twice a day (in the morning and last thing at night) and flossing daily (or at least three times a week).
However, if it's not treated, gingivitis can develop into other forms of gum disease, which can cause more serious complications.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis (which used to be called pyorrhoea when severe) is another condition which affects your gums, and often follows a case of gingivitis. It can make your teeth feel loose and, in some cases, fall out. This is because the inflammation that starts in your gums spreads, and affects the tissue and bone that help keep your teeth securely in place.
Acute necrotising ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG)
Acute necrotising ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG) is another form of severe gum disease. It used to be called Vincent's gingivitis or trench mouth.
ANUG is rare and usually only affects people with a weakened immune system, or people who are malnourished. Ulcers which are extremely painful develop on your gums. The ulcers develop after the gums become infected with bacteria.
As well as the ulcers, ANUG causes the gums to swell, making it difficult to eat and drink. It can also cause the tissue around the gums to fall away, so that the teeth become loose.
Disease
A disease is an illness or condition that interferes with normal body functions.
Bacteria
Bacteria are tiny, single-celled organisms that live in the body. Some can cause illness and disease and some others are good for you.
Inflammation
Inflammation is the body's response to infection, irritation or injury, which causes redness, swelling, pain and sometimes a feeling of heat in the affected area.
Tissue
Body tissue is made up of groups of cells that perform a specific job, such as protecting the body against infection, producing movement or storing fat.
Acute
Acute means occuring suddenly or over a short period of time.
Immune system
The immune system is the body's defence system, which helps protect it from disease, bacteria and viruses.
Ulcers
An ulcer is a sore break in the skin, or on the inside lining of the body.
