What are the Stages of Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is a progressive disease of the

teeth and gums that can lead to infected and

receding gums, destruction of the periodontal

tissues (the periodontal ligament that holds the

tooth in its socket, and the bone to which it is

attached), loss of teeth, and even a compromised

immune system.

Cosmetic dentists can repair the visible damage

of periodontal disease, and family dentists can help

prevent and treat it, but the first and best line

of defense is proper dental hygiene by the

patients themselves.

The stages of periodontal disease are:

1. Gingivitis2. Early Periodontitis, and3. Advanced Periodontitis.

Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal

disease, and the stage with which the

average person is most familiar.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the

gums caused by a buildup of plaque at

the gum line and base of the teeth that

can harbor harmful bacteria.

Gingivitis

These bacteria produce waste and toxins

which irritate and inflame the gums, a

symptom of which is bleeding

during brushing.

Gingivitis

This is the easiest stage of periodontal

disease to treat and reverse, as no

damage to the periodontal tissues has

yet occurred.

Gingivitis

When gingivitis goes untreated it can

cause buildup of tartar on the teeth at

the gum line.

Early Periodontitis

This buildup often has an irregular

surface of pits, sharp edges, and grooves.

Early Periodontitis

It is an ideal surface for even more

plaque formation, and can cause pockets

to form in the gums at the base of the

teeth that can ultimately extend down to

the periodontal tissues.

Early Periodontitis

Food, bacteria, and additional plaque

can become trapped deep in these

pockets which then begin to damage

bone and ligament tissue.

Early Periodontitis

This damage is irreversible, but it can be

stopped with proper treatment.

Early Periodontitis

As the periodontal disease progresses,

the gum line may recede making the

teeth appear longer, the pockets at

the base of the teeth may grow larger

and deeper -

Advanced Periodontitis

- and bone and ligament damage

progresses to the point that the teeth

loosen and shift in the gums.

Advanced Periodontitis

This can cause an incorrect bite, further

infection, and ultimately loss of teeth.

Other symptoms may include bad

breath and tastes, pain, pus discharge,

and discomfort while eating.

Advanced Periodontitis

Genetics and lifestyle factors can

contribute to the severity of periodontal

disease. Hormonal changes, illness and

some medications may make the gums

more sensitive or affect the protective

flow of saliva.

Clenching the jaw or grinding the

teeth can put additional stress on the

bones and ligaments of the

periodontal tissues.

Poor diet and stress may contribute to

faulty immune system responses, and

diabetes and smoking in particular are

key contributors to periodontal disease.

Successful treatment of periodontal

disease begins with you.

Since plaque buildup is the primary

cause of the disease, a proper regimen

of brushing and flossing should help

prevent the onset of gingivitis.

Proper diet, sleep and stress relief,

refraining from smoking, and proper

treatment and handling of immune

system issues in the individual are

determining factors in preventive care.

Services provided at regular checkups

by family dentists such as plaque and

tarter removal complete the prevention

program. Good dental health is about

much more than a great smile!

If you are seeking professional dental advice, it's time to call Shumway Dental Care.

Their Chandler dentists will ask you questions, examine you, and determine exactly what needs to be done to get you back to normal.

Call today for an appointment.

Visit

www.shumwaydental.com

SHUMWAY DENTAL CARE3150 S Gilbert Rd Suite 1

Chandler, AZ 85286(480) 420-7551