Our mouths are filled with bacteria; when this bacterium is left to build up on teeth it forms a biofilm known as plaque. If plaque is not removed from the teeth it becomes mineralized and hardens forming calculus, commonly known as tartar. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease, characterized by gingival inflammation, and can be corrected with good oral hygiene such as brushing and flossing. When gingivitis goes untreated it can then become more serious causing periodontitis. Periodontitis is seen when inflammation progresses and causes loss of attachment between tooth and alveolar bone (Nanci & Bosshardt, 2006). As the gingiva becomes more inflamed it starts to pull away from the tooth, forming pockets, allowing for more bacteria to sit close to the tooth and cause infection. The oral cavity has more then 500 different bacterial species and as plaque bacteria accumulate your natural immune system starts to attack the infection and therefore damages the gum, ligaments and bone (Periodontal Gum Disease,
Our mouths are filled with bacteria; when this bacterium is left to build up on teeth it forms a biofilm known as plaque. If plaque is not removed from the teeth it becomes mineralized and hardens forming calculus, commonly known as tartar. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease, characterized by gingival inflammation, and can be corrected with good oral hygiene such as brushing and flossing. When gingivitis goes untreated it can then become more serious causing periodontitis. Periodontitis is seen when inflammation progresses and causes loss of attachment between tooth and alveolar bone (Nanci & Bosshardt, 2006). As the gingiva becomes more inflamed it starts to pull away from the tooth, forming pockets, allowing for more bacteria to sit close to the tooth and cause infection. The oral cavity has more then 500 different bacterial species and as plaque bacteria accumulate your natural immune system starts to attack the infection and therefore damages the gum, ligaments and bone (Periodontal Gum Disease,