Do you have gum disease? It is a common but serious dental issue, and the good thing is that it’s one that, if caught early, can be treated effectively. In this blog post, we’ll explore the various stages of gum disease so that you can understand what’s going on in your mouth.
Gingivitis
Gum disease starts with gingivitis. This is the most mild form of the issue, and one that you may or may not even notice that you’re dealing with. Gingivitis is characterized by red, swollen gums that bleed easily. At this stage of gum disease, you’ll notice very little pain or discomfort, if any. The issue generally results from a lack of good oral hygiene, although there may be other contributing factors such as diabetes, smoking, age, and others. The good news is that gum disease is reversible in this early stage, so talk to your dentist about how you can turn your dental care up a notch to eradicate the issue.
Periodontitis
If your gum disease has progressed past the gingivitis phase, that’s when you may have an issue on your hands. As plaque spreads below the gum line, the bacteria within it produces more and more toxins, triggering the gums to separate from the teeth forming pocks between the teeth and gums. These areas are prone to infection, and when that infection occurs, gradual destruction of the teeth, gums, and bones will follow. Over time, untreated gum disease will likely lead to tooth loss.
Stay on Top of Your Gum Health at Reen Chung, DDS
With regular visits to our Seattle, WA office, we’ll help you catch any gum health issues early, treating them effectively and avoiding the progression of the disease. Worried about your gum health, or something else? Give our office a call or visit our website to set up a visit.
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