Poor oralhygiene is the key cause of gingivitis, and subsequently more severeperiodontitis.

The bacteria in the mouth, alongwith mucus and other particles, constantly produce a sticky, “plaque” on teeth.Effective brushing and flossing must help in getting rid of the “plaque”.However, improper brushing and poor oral hygiene can cause accumulation ofplaque that can eventually harden and form “tartar”. The bacteria in tartarproduce toxins to cause inflammation of the gums, called gingivitis.

Periodontitis follows untreated or delayed treatmentof gingivitis, the infection and inflammation of gums. The infection andinflammation, if left untreated, spreads from the gums (gingiva) to theperiodontium, the ligament tissues and bone that surround and support theteeth. This causes loss of support to the teeth and they eventually becomeloose and fall out. Periodontitis is the chief cause of teethloss in adults.