Plaque that has not been removed becomes tartar over time and accumulates on the gum line. Tartar makes brushing and cleaning teeth more difficult. Your gums are red, swollen, and prone to bleeding - signs of unhealthy or inflamed gums, called gingivitis.
When gingivitis is not treated, it can develop a gum disease called periodontitis. In periodontitis, the gum detaches from the teeth and forms a space called a pocket, which is slowly infected. This infection can last a long time. As the plaque spreads and grows under the gum line, your body will resist bacteria. Bacteria and body reactions to this infection begin to destroy the bones and tissues that hold the teeth. If you do not treat periodontitis, the teeth, bones, and tissues that support your teeth are destroyed. The teeth may become loose and may need to be removed. If you have periodontitis, the dentist may send you to a periodontal specialist to treat gum specialists.
