What is gum disease?

When it comes to your oral health, preventing the disease is easier than treating it. Gum disease (gingivitis) and periodontal disease (periodontitis) are both caused by plaque and bacteria buildup. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and jawbone deterioration. Preventing gum disease starts with oral hygiene at home and regular visits to your dentist.

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. Tartar is hardened plaque that has been left on the teeth for some time. If plaque and tartar are not removed with proper brushing and flossing, they begin to destroy the gums and bone.

Symptoms of gingivitis

Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. Gingivitis causes red, swollen, and bleeding gums. If gingivitis is left untreated, it can lead to periodontitis.

Symptoms of periodontitis include loose teeth, pain when chewing or brushing your teeth, bad breath, and receding gums.

How to treat gingivitis

Gingivitis is treatable. Depending on the severity of your gingivitis, your dentist will recommend either medicated toothpaste or prescription mouthwash along with daily flossing. In more severe cases, antibiotics may be prescribed.

Gingivitis can be a sign of periodontitis.

Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that can damage the tissue and bone that support your teeth. If left untreated, your gum infection can worsen and can lead to tooth loss.

What is periodontitis?

Periodontitis is an advanced form of gum disease that is caused by bacterial infection. It’s characterized by gum recession, inflammation of the gums, and the formation of periodontal pockets.

Periodontists specialize in treating gum disease. At the first sign of gum disease, you should visit us.

Symptoms of periodontitis

Some symptoms of periodontal disease include:

* Red or swollen gums

* Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing

* Bad breath

* Deep pockets between the your teeth and your gums

* Teeth that feel loose or as if they are moving

If your dentist determines that you have periodontitis, he or she will create a custom treatment plan to specifically target your disease.

How to reverse periodontitis

Gingivitis, the milder form of gum disease, can often be reversed with consistent and proper home dental care. Periodontitis, the more serious form of gum disease, may require more advanced dental treatments, such as flap surgery, bone grafting, or teeth replacement.

Preventing gum disease

Gingivitis is the stage before periodontitis. It is an infection of the gums and can be treated by a dentist or hygienist. Gingivitis is caused by plaque buildup around the your teeth. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day will prevent periodontal diseases.

Preventing gingivitis and periodontitis

Gingivitis and periodontitis are types of periodontal disease.

Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. It occurs when plaque and tartar buildup irritate the gums.

Gingivitis is usually caused by poor oral health. However, it can also occur after an illness.

If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis.

Maintaining good oral health

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Gum disease is an infection of the tissue surrounding and supporting your teeth. It is typically caused by the accumulation of plaque on your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria, food debris, and saliva. If plaque is not removed regularly, it turns into tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist.

Plaque thrives on the sugars found in our diets. It is normal to have small amounts of plaque on your teeth. However, if plaque is not removed, it will continue to build up and the bacteria in plaque can infect your gums and cause gum disease.

Gingivitis and periodontitis are serious infections of the mouth that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Both infections are caused by oral bacteria that irritate the gums, gradually eroding the tissue. As the disease progresses, the gums can pull away from the teeth and form pockets. If left untreated, the pockets can become deeper and the bacteria can travel further into the mouth, causing other teeth to become infected.