Understanding the Stages of Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease can be incredibly damaging to your oral health. You can help prevent your risk for this condition by routinely visiting your general dentist and maintaining a good oral hygiene routine at home. Here is a guide to understanding the stages of periodontal disease:
Gingivitis
The first stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis. With gingivitis, gum tissues become inflamed, sore, and red. Dental patients with gingivitis often notice bleeding gums while brushing or flossing their teeth. At this stage, periodontal disease is still reversible without permanent damage.
Early Periodontitis
Once early periodontitis sets in, teeth and gum inflammation spreads to the periodontal ligaments. During this stage, there won’t be connective tissue loss or shifting teeth just yet. However, the gums will begin receding, leaving gaps between teeth where bacteria, plaque, and tartar can easily thrive.
Moderate Periodontitis
Once periodontitis advances to the moderate stage, the gums will be severely infected, and the rate of bone loss in the mouth and jaw will increase by about 35% to 50%. Serious gum recession will be obvious, and teeth will begin shifting.
Advanced Periodontitis
Once teeth have worsened to the most advanced stage of periodontal disease, the infection will cause painful gum abscesses and even tooth loss. Patients will be at risk of gradually losing more than 50% of bone support. Teeth suffering from this stage of periodontitis will need to undergo serious dental work by their dentists.
If you or a loved one is currently suffering from any stage of periodontal disease, speak with the dentists at Lenox Village Dentistry. Dr. Brown, Dr. Peaks, and Dr. Filos are dedicated to providing every member in your family with the highest quality treatment and preventative care. Call us at (615) 832-2095 to learn more about our services in Nashville.
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