To find out more about gum disease visit these websites:
GSK is not responsible for the content of external internet sites
Gum disease is caused by plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that is constantly forming on our teeth. If left, this plaque builds up on and between teeth, irritating gums and making them swollen.
When this swelling happens, it can allow a space or ‘pocket’ to form beneath the tooth. As the amount of bacterial plaque increases, so does the depth of the pocket. This causes gums to recede, exposing more of the tooth. If left untreated, the pocket can become so large that teeth may loosen and even need to be removed.
There are two stages of gum disease:
Gingivitis means inflammation of the gums. It occurs when the gums around the teeth become very red and swollen. Often the swollen gums bleed when brushed. If left untreated, long-standing gingivitis can develop into severe gingivitis or periodontitis.
More teeth are lost through periodontitis than through tooth decay. Periodontitis is an advanced stage of gum disease where bacterial plaque destroys the gums, soft tissue and eventually the bone anchoring the teeth, making the tooth loose in its socket. If left untreated, the tooth may eventually fall out or need to be removed.
