Did you know that there are two stages of gum disease, which is also known as periodontal disease? Well, it’s true! Gum disease is a complex and dangerous dental issue that can destroy your smile, and it advances through the following stages:
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and it starts with the plaque growth on your teeth. If you do not attend your dental cleanings every six months, the plaque will continue to grow and will irritate your gums. When this happens, your gums will likely start to bleed when you brush your teeth and eat food. You might also notice consistent bad breath or a terrible taste in the mouth. If the plaque is still left untreated, it advances into periodontitis.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis involves the gums moving away from the teeth because of the irritation of the plaque. This then creates pockets that tend to collect debris and bacteria throughout the day. The plaque continues to grow and it moves underneath the gum line. As it reaches the underlying bone, the toxins in the plaque begin to destroy it, resulting in loose and, eventually, lost teeth.
This disease can slowly take over your chompers, which is why it is very important to keep an eye out for the symptoms. If you aren’t sure what to look for or if you have identified some of the signs, please call Sunshine Dental as soon as possible. Dr. Chau will be happy to meet with you, examine your smile, and take the best course of action to save your oral health. We are also happy to answer any of your questions. We look forward to hearing from you!