When people think about practicing good oral health habits, most often they’re thinking about their teeth alone. But what about the other major surface in your mouth–your gums? Taking care of your gums is just as important as caring for your teeth and if neglected, can have just as serious of consequences. Poor gum care has been associated with strokes, heart attacks and several other life-threatening issues so be sure not to neglect them!
Stages of Gum Disease
Gum disease is a frustrating problem and if not treated, it can lead to some serious irreversible damage. Luckily, spotting symptoms early can lead to a full recovery! The following is a step-by-step process of how gum disease can escalate and an outline of the most common types of gum disease:
Gingivitis
This is the first sign of poor oral care and the earliest stage of gum disease. Gingivitis can develop from a number of factors, usually from not brushing or flossing properly. You may notice your gums swelling or turning red, and in some cases they may bleed. Fortunately, if you catch the disease in this stage, the damage can be reversed! See your dentist for tips on how to better care for your teeth and gums and learn more about the most common types of gum disease.
Periodontitis
This stage is the direct result of untreated gingivitis. Individuals with periodontitis will notice spaces developing between their teeth, pus in the gumline, an even brighter color red or purple tint to their gums, and most commonly, receding gums. At this point, some of the damage may be irreversible but your dentist will be able to recommend treatment options.
Advanced Periodontitis
If no action is taken in the first two stages, it will eventually grow into advanced periodontitis. By now, there is permanent damage to the gums. Your dentist can do a complete debridement and antimicrobial disinfection. The gums won’t ever be the same as before the gum disease but there is a possibility of saving some of the surrounding tissue.
Treat Your Gum Disease at Duffield Dentistry
If you’ve noticed a soreness in your gums or if you’ve spotted any of the symptoms mentioned above, you may have an early onset of gum disease. Don’t let it go untreated! Visit Royal Oak dentist, Dr. Larry Duffield, to find relief today. Call 877-630-7410 to schedule your appointment at Duffield Dentistry and learn more about our periodontal disease treatment options.