Gingivitis can be reversed into a healthy state thanks to professional teeth cleaning (see also: Scaling and Prophylaxis) followed by improved home oral care by the patient.
As gingivitis does not usually cause particular discomfort for the patient, this condition does not motivate him or her to see a dentist. Also, bleeding gums are traditionally considered as being quite "normal" and not recognized as the symptom of the disease. In some cases, even dentists do not diagnose gingivitis unless the patient complains about discomfort. If gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to periodontitis. Plaque and its bacterial population will go deeper and deeper down below the sulcus area. The inflammatory response of the body will cause the gums (and finally also the bone surrounding the teeth) to retract and separate from the teeth. Spaces between the gums and the teeth are formed, the so-called pockets. Even at this time, the patient may just feel minor discomfort. Too often, he or she will go and see the dentist only when the bone around the teeth has decreased so much that one or several teeth become loose. In order to give treatment to the very high number of people concerned by moderate forms of periodontal disease (including gingivitis), general practitioners and dental hygienists are indispensable. |
