Gum disease is a condition that causes inflammation of the gums. The disease can progress and affect the bone that supports and surrounds your teeth. Gum disease is caused by bacteria in plaque, a colorless, sticky film that forms on your teeth. If you don’t remove this plaque through flossing and brushing, it builds up and causes damage to both your gums and teeth. Therefore, it is important to come in for a check-up immediately after you notice signs of gum disease. Similarly, you should also know the various stages of gum disease for immediate care. Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. This is where plaque builds up on your gum line, causing inflammation. If regular flossing or brushing doesn’t remove the plaque, it will produce toxins that cause irritation of the gum tissue. This will lead to gingivitis. During these early stages, you will notice light bleeding when you brush or floss your teeth. If you notice these symptoms, get in touch with us immediately. This is because gum disease can easily be treated at this early stage. The reason is that, at this stage, the connective bone and tissue that hold your teeth in place are undamaged.
Periodontitis
As the gum disease progresses, the fibers and supporting bone that hold your teeth in place start to get damaged. There will be gum pockets that form between your teeth and gums, trapping plaque and food particles. At this stage, high standards of oral hygiene can help prevent further progression. You should also come in for regular dental cleanings. If the plaque is not removed, bacteria will feed on it and multiply. As a result, gum disease will advance into full-blown periodontitis. This is where the supporting tissue is severely damaged and can no longer hold teeth together. For more information on how to handle gum disease, visit our offices.
