Symptoms and Complications
Typical bacterial gingivitis is a painless condition, even when the gums are bleeding. They become bright red and swell up. They are less firm than usual and may even be movable. They are likely to bleed during brushing and perhaps eating. Sometimes they bleed at night.
Herpetic gingivostomatitis also turns the gums bright red, but it can be easily distinguished because it's usually quite painful. There are dozens of tiny white or yellow sores visible in the gums and inner cheeks.
The tartar that can be seen at the gumline may represent the tip of the iceberg. It generally spreads between the teeth and gums, forcing the two apart and living in the newly created pocket. There, the bacteria release chemicals that can eat away at the bones that hold the roots of the teeth. These same chemicals may cause bad breath. Eventually the teeth are no longer firmly fixed in position and either fall out or have to be pulled out. This complication of gingivitis is called periodontitis. Surprisingly, it often causes no pain.
Trench mouth, also known as Vincent's infection, is a particularly severe form of gingivitis caused by a combination of two bacteria. Your dentist may refer to it by its other name, acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis, or ANUG. This disease causes a rapid onset of swelling, bleeding, and terrible bad breath. The gums are gray in color, and are often misshapen. The papillae (the pointed part of the gum between the teeth) often become flat and have an area of dead tissue. The disease is usually only found in smokers. Its name dates back to the First World War when it often developed among soldiers in the trenches.
Gum disease has been linked to various health concerns such at premature births, lung disease, heart disease, strokes, and heart attacks.