Gingivitis Directory
Gingivitis, also called gum disease or periodontal disease, refers to bacterial growth in the mouth. The bacteria can cause gum inflammation and bleeding. As gum disease progresses, debris gets caught in the gums as they pull away from the teeth. This process eventually damages the teeth, leading to tooth loss. Gingivitis can be caused by plaque, hormones, illness, medications, family history of gum disease, and more. Treatments may include treating the bacteria growth and surgery to restore damaged teeth. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about how gingivitis is contracted, what it looks like, how to treat it, and much more.
Medical Reference
Features
Gum disease is linked to a host of other ills, including diabetes and heart attack, but most people can prevent gingivitis with daily brushing, flossing, and regular check-ups.
Slideshows & Images
Quizzes
Health Tools
News Archive
How Do I Measure Up? Get the Facts Fast!
Answer:
(0)
(1-3)
(4-6)
(7)
You are currently
Only 18.5% of Americans never floss. You are missing out on a simple way to make a big difference in the health of your mouth. Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Floss removes food trapped between the teeth and removes the film of bacteria that forms there before it turns to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Try flossing just one tooth to get started.
You are one of 31% of Americans who don't floss daily. You are missing out on a simple way to make a big difference in the health of your mouth. Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Toothbrush bristles alone cannot clean effectively between these tight spaces. Flossing removes up to 80% of the film that hardens to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Aim for 3 more days!
You are one of 31% of Americans who don't floss daily, but you're well on your way to making a positive impact on your teeth and gums. Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Toothbrush bristles alone cannot clean effectively between these tight spaces. Flossing removes up to 80% of the film that hardens to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Aim for all 7 days!
Only 50.5% of Americans floss daily, and good for you that you are one of them! Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Toothbrush bristles alone cannot clean effectively between these tight spaces. Flossing removes up to 80% of the film that hardens to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Congratulations on your good oral health habit!
SOURCES:
American Dental Association, Healthy People 2010
This tool is intended only for adults 18 and older.
Step: of
