Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and can be reversed with regular professional cleanings. When gingivitis goes untreated certain strains of bacteria that live in this plaque damage gum tissue and bone. Your body tries to fight this infection with an inflammatory assault, sending white blood cells to the area to destroy the bacteria. This inflammation causes the tissue to bleed easily when you brush or floss. This stage of the condition is called gingivitis.
pROGRESSION TO periodontitis
If the infection and inflammation persist, what results is a chronic inflammatory condition in which the gums and bone around the teeth are slowly destroyed, many times with no awareness or symptoms. At this stage, it is called periodontitis.
The biggest risk factors are ineffective home care and smoking. Periodontitis has been linked to an increased risk for heart disease, diabetes, and other serious medical conditions. In short, healthy gums are the gateway to a healthier body.