Early gum disease
Healthy gum changes to diseased gum when harmful bacteria collect along the gum line. Early gum disease includes changes which, if brought under control, can revert to normal healthy gum with normal appearance and attachment around the teeth. At this stage it is known as gingivitis, swelling of the cuff of gum around the crown of a tooth. If it is not brought under control it may progress to damage tissue permanently, becoming periodontal disease and although this can be controlled the appearance never returns. Periodontal disease is a disease of the supporting structures of the tooth.
Is early gum disease helpful?
Although we use the terms early gum disease or gingivitis, which are considered to be minor problems, we do not understand to what extent our bodies are affected. Our immune systems are designed to detect and build immunity to organisms and early gum disease may allow the 700 or more bacterial species to be identified and protective substances made. This may be of benefit if the organisms find their way into the body and our defences are already aware of them and can react quickly to eradicate them. On the other hand it may provoke over-reaction of the immune system in those susceptible, resulting in tissue damage locally or further afield in the body.