Most patients associate good dental hygiene with clean, sparkling teeth. Patients may spend a considerable amount of time cleaning their teeth, while unknowingly ignoring an equally important step in maintaining a healthy smile—cleaning the gums. Gum health is vitally important to keeping your mouth, and whole body healthy. Our Glendale dentists want to help you understand how gum disease progresses, so that you can recognize the signs and seek treatment if necessary.
Gum disease progresses in two distinct stages. While gum disease is treatable in both stages, it is, understandably, easier to successfully treat before it has progressed fully.
The first stage of gum disease is call gingivitis. In this phase the patient’s gums are infected—you may notice swelling, tenderness, and some gum bleeding associated with brushing or eating harsh foods. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease, so if you notice these problems discuss your concerns with a dentist right away—it is much easier to treat gum disease before it progresses to the second stage, which is…periodontitis.
Periodontitis develops once the bacterial infection in the gums progresses to infect the teeth, connective tissues, and bones. Periodontitis can lead to dental abscesses, tooth loss, and bone loss. If you notice that your teeth are becoming lose or shifting around along the gum line, you may be suffering from periodontitis.
Left untreated, gum disease can destroy your oral health and overall wellbeing. If you notice any stages of gingivitis or periodontitis, speak to your dentist right away. With proactive treatment, you can avoid serious complications such as tooth and bone loss. Our Glendale dental office can answer your questions and help you schedule a complimentary consultation—give us a call and take the first step to dental wellness!