How Periodontal Disease Progresses
To prevent the progression of periodontal disease, oral bacteria need to be removed daily with good brushing and flossing techniques. But for some, these important steps are still not enough to keep bacteria under control. Plaque is the white sticky substance that is always forming in the mouth and harbors the bacteria that cause gum disease. If plaque is not removed, it turns to tartar and causes even more damage. Gum recession, tooth loss, and bone deterioration are some of the consequences of untreated gum disease.
Gingivitis. The initial stage of periodontal disease is called gingivitis. This occurs when patients are experiencing red, inflamed gums, and bleeding when brushing and flossing their teeth. These are signs that the condition is starting to develop, at this point; patients should visit their dentist for an examination, proper diagnosis, and treatment. Some patients are simply more prone to developing gingivitis, treatment of which in this stage can avoid the need for more invasive periodontal therapies. For these patients, getting early gingivitis treatment is critical.
Periodontitis. When left untreated, gingivitis can worsen into periodontitis, in which the gums recede and the bones begin to disintegrate. This can result in lost teeth, and the only way to restore a smile after periodontal disease is through treatments such as dentures or dental implants. Patients must address their oral health issues before being able to enjoy the benefits of restorative treatments. If periodontal disease developed and treatment was rendered, a periodontal maintenance is critical to preventing further progression of the disease. Beyond 90 days or so, the bacteria responsible for periodontal disease grow very rapidly. Periodontal maintenance appointments at three to four month intervals will help mitigate this growth and further protect your teeth, bone, and gums.
Keeping a close eye on gum pocket depth is also important. Periodontal pockets are caused by bacteria and the deeper they are the more damaging they can be to the oral structures that protect teeth from falling out.
To prevent the progression of periodontal disease, oral bacteria need to be removed daily with good brushing and flossing techniques. But for some, these important steps are still not enough to keep bacteria under control. Plaque is the white sticky substance that is always forming in the mouth and harbors the bacteria that cause gum disease. If plaque is not removed, it turns to tartar and causes even more damage. Gum recession, tooth loss, and bone deterioration are some of the consequences of untreated gum disease.
Gingivitis. The initial stage of periodontal disease is called gingivitis. This occurs when patients are experiencing red, inflamed gums, and bleeding when brushing and flossing their teeth. These are signs that the condition is starting to develop, at this point; patients should visit their dentist for an examination, proper diagnosis, and treatment. Some patients are simply more prone to developing gingivitis, treatment of which in this stage can avoid the need for more invasive periodontal therapies. For these patients, getting early gingivitis treatment is critical.
Periodontitis. When left untreated, gingivitis can worsen into periodontitis, in which the gums recede and the bones begin to disintegrate. This can result in lost teeth, and the only way to restore a smile after periodontal disease is through treatments such as dentures or dental implants. Patients must address their oral health issues before being able to enjoy the benefits of restorative treatments. If periodontal disease developed and treatment was rendered, a periodontal maintenance is critical to preventing further progression of the disease. Beyond 90 days or so, the bacteria responsible for periodontal disease grow very rapidly. Periodontal maintenance appointments at three to four month intervals will help mitigate this growth and further protect your teeth, bone, and gums.
Keeping a close eye on gum pocket depth is also important. Periodontal pockets are caused by bacteria and the deeper they are the more damaging they can be to the oral structures that protect teeth from falling out.