How does gingivitis affect the body?

If you have gingivitis, your gums may become red, swollen and bleed easily. At this stage, the disease is still reversible and can usually be eliminated by a professional cleaning at your dental office, followed by daily brushing and flossing. However, untreated gingivitis can lead to advanced gum disease, which lead to bone and tissue loss. If that happens, your teeth will feel loose and start moving around in your mouth. They also can fall out if the condition is not treated early.

Research between systemic diseases and gum diseases is ongoing. While a link is not conclusive, some studies indicate that severe gum disease may be associated with several other health conditions such as diabetes or stroke.

Gingivitis affects the gums, making them red and swollen, and with a tendency to bleed. Left untreated, however, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which is a more serious and destructive condition. Periodontitis can result in the loss of a tooth or even multiple teeth. There is also a body of evidence to suggest that periodontitis increases a person’s risk of having a stroke or heart attack. In addition, a pregnant woman with periodontitis may be at risk for pre-term delivery.