Final answer:
Plaque-induced gingivitis, if untreated, can lead to periodontitis, but this is not an inevitable outcome. Good oral hygiene practices and professional dental care can prevent its progression to more severe periodontal diseases.
Step-by-step explanation:
Plaque-induced gingivitis does not always progress to chronic periodontitis if left untreated, but it certainly increases the risk of such progression. Maintaining good oral hygiene can prevent its development into more serious periodontal diseases.
Inflammation of the gums, known as gingivitis, is primarily caused by the accumulation of plaque and the colonization of bacteria such as Porphyromonas, Streptococcus, and Actinomyces. If the plaque is not removed, an anaerobic environment is created, allowing for the growth of harmful microbes. These bacterial products, including lipopolysaccharide (LPS), proteases, and lipoteichoic acids, lead to further inflammation and gum damage. Over time, if gingivitis is not treated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form involving the recession of gums and potential loss of teeth and bone of the jaw. This progression, however, is not inevitable, and with proper dental hygiene and professional care, the transition from gingivitis to periodontitis can be prevented. In cases where periodontitis does develop, treatment options may include cleaning, dental hygiene, and potentially antibiotics such as tetracycline, doxycycline, or macrolides.