A Local Dentist Educates Patients on The Progressing Stages of Periodontal Disease
Without treatment, periodontal disease (also called gum disease) can negatively affect dental health. You could lose teeth when gum disease is allowed to wreak havoc to the supporting structures which hold your teeth in place. Patients who suffer from gum disease see Dr. Yolanda Cintron and the team at Go Natural Dentistry.
Stages of Gum Disease
Gum disease happens when bacteria in your mouth, along the gum line, causes your gums to become inflamed. This inflammation, if allowed to progress, can affect your bone structure which supports your teeth. Gum disease is caused by the bacteria present in plaque build-up. Plaque is a sticky, colorless film that is constantly building on your teeth. It is removed through your daily dental hygiene regimen (brushing, flossing, rinsing). If allowed to build up, the bacteria will affect your gums and teeth and the supporting gum tissue and bone. Over time it can lead to loose teeth or teeth which fall out or have to be extracted by your dentist. Let’s look at the progression of gum disease.
- Gingivitis: Is the earliest and most easily reversed form of gum disease. Gingivitis occurs because plaque build-up causes inflammation of the gums. When daily brushing and flossing fail to remove plaque, the plaque will release toxins that irritate the gum tissue. That is what leads to gingivitis. Some symptoms you can look for which could indicate that you are suffering from gingivitis include bleeding when you brush or floss. Because the bone and connective tissue which hold teeth in place are not affected at this point, gingivitis is typically easy to cure and can often be done so through better brushing and flossing at home.
- Periodontitis: When gum disease has been allowed to progress to this stage, the bone and connective tissue which keep your teeth in place will have begun to be irreversibly damaged. Pockets could have started to have fully formed beneath the gum line. That is another place for food and plaque to hide. Periodontitis can be reversed with better at-home care combined with professional dental treatment.
- Advanced Periodontitis: This is the final stage of gum disease. At this point, the tooth’s support structure has been mostly or completely destroyed. Your teeth may have begun to loosen or shift, negatively affecting your bite. And you will require aggressive treatment or even extraction.
Dr. Yolanda Cintron and the team at Go Natural Dentistry are here to help you with your gum disease. To schedule an appointment today, please call (855) 381-6001.
