A build up of plaque bacteria can lead to an irritation of the gum tissue and result in gingivitis, more commonly known as gum disease.

Signs of Gingivitis:

• Gums are red
• The gums surrounding the teeth are inflamed and puffy
• The gums may also bleed upon brushing and/or flossing.

At this stage of gum disease, the bacteria is affects the gum tissue surrounding the teeth. Upon professional removal of the tartar build up and proper maintenance of oral hygiene, the symptoms of gingivitis can be reversed and the gum tissue can become healthy again. However, there are cases where the bacteria has penetrated into the bone surrounding the teeth in what is known as periodontitis.

Signs of Periodontitis:

• Gums are red and puffy
• Gums bleed upon brushing and/or flossing
• Bad breath
• Gum recession may occur
• Deep periodontal pockets
• Loose and mobile teeth.
• Bone loss

At this point, the bacteria begins to eat away at the bone surrounding the teeth which cause them to become loose and mobile. Periodontitis is a severe and advanced form of gum disease, where the symptoms cannot be reversed and teeth result in having to be extracted.