Gingival tissue is otherwise known as gum tissue or “the gums”. The gingiva is an incredibly important part of the oral cavity. It must be maintained in a healthy manner for the health of the teeth and the rest of the mouth. Periodontal disease affects millions of Americans. There are two major variations of periodontal disease (gum disease). Gingivitis is an overall swelling of the gingival tissue. It is the body’s immune response to oral bacteria, plaque, and calculus. When left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis. This is characterized by bone loss and a loss of the attachment apparatus of the teeth. This is often irreversible and can cause major health and asthetic problems in the oral cavity.
The overall maintenance of the gingiva is necessary for oral health. Regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits are important to accomplish this. The teeth have a complex community of microorganisms called a biofilm on the surface. This biofilm is progressive and the end stages forms plaque and when the plaque calcifies it becomes calculus. The importance of this regular maintenance is due to the arrest of the progression of the biofilm and the prevention of disease.
Plaque and calculus, when left untreated becomes more difficult to remove. The calcified layer needs to be cleaned by a dental cleaning. Brushing and flossing will not arrest the problem at this point. Even before this becomes visible it can be problematic.