Periodontal Disease

When we consider our dental health and oral hygiene, what comes to mind? I am betting you immediately think “teeth”, but we often forget our teeth’s trusty sidekick, the gums! Our gums are just as important as our teeth in our oral hygiene regimen. The question is though, what does good AND bad gum health look like? There are different stages of periodontal disease, and each one is to be taken seriously! The health of our gums directly correlates to our teeth being strong and pearly white.

The first stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis. The bacteria present in the plaque found in a person’s mouth who has gingivitis makes his gums inflamed, red and swollen. Some people may experience bleeding gums, while some people with this stage may not even know they have gingivitis. The good news is that this stage is usually reversible with diligent homecare, and staying on top of getting regular cleanings.

The next stage of gum disease is periodontitis. This stage of gum disease is reached as plaque and tartar begin to build up on your gum line, which leads to your gum tissues and the bone surrounding your teeth to break down. This is not an overly rare condition to have either, as it has been found that over 40% of adults over the age of 30 in the United States have this!

The most advanced stage of gum disease is called advanced periodontitis. This stage is when the plaque and tartar build up has progressed to the point that an affected person’s teeth may be loose, falling out, or need to be removed by a dentist. This stage is very serious and may require surgical treatment. 

Your gums are just as important as your teeth, and making choices each day, such as good home care and regular cleanings, are easy ways to ensure that your gums stay healthy. Give us a call today to schedule your routine cleaning and exam to take charge of your gum health. 

Prince Frederick Dental Center

410-535-5055