What are the dangers of gingivitis?

Gingivitis, as a common inflammatory disease in the oral cavity, should not be overlooked in terms of its potential harm. If not treated promptly, it initially causes persistent redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums, affecting daily eating habits and oral hygiene, thus reducing the quality of life. As the condition progresses, the inflammation may spread to deeper periodontal tissues, leading to periodontitis, alveolar bone resorption, and periodontal pocket formation, which ultimately result in loose teeth or even tooth loss, severely affecting chewing function and facial aesthetics. Furthermore, gingivitis might act as a trigger for other infectious diseases in the oral cavity, such as apical periodontitis and pulpitis, increasing the difficulty and cost of treatment. More importantly, oral health is closely related to overall systemic health; gingivitis may increase the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, posing a threat to general health. Therefore, once symptoms of gingivitis are detected, prompt medical attention should be sought, and effective treatment measures should be taken to prevent the worsening of the condition and to maintain both oral and systemic health.