Posted by Dr. Abeyta on Sep 7 2010, 12:45 PM
Gingivitis, or gum disease, can develop when plaque builds up on your teeth, causing inflammation. Plaque is an invisible film of bacteria that forms on teeth. Over time, plaque can harden into tartar, which is more difficult to remove. With gingivitis, inflamed gums develop, which can make your teeth bleed during brushing.
Early symptoms of gingivitis include:
1. Bleeding gums
2. Bad breath
3. Tender, swollen, or red gums
4. Receding gums
5. Gums that begin to pull away from your teeth
6. Gums that are pulling away from teeth
7. Teeth that become loose or separating
8. Teeth that appear longer than usual
Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums, which is caused by bacterial plaque buildup on the teeth. This can cause the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. Once the bacteria from the plaque infect the gum tissue, the body attempts to fight the infection, which irritates the gum tissue.