Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an inflammation of the gums that can progress to affect the bone that surrounds and supports your natural teeth. It is very common but also fairly preventable. Periodontal is typically caused by poor oral hygiene. When you don’t brush and floss your teeth, plaque can build up and the bacteria not only can affect your teeth and gums, but can eventually affect the gum tissue and bone that supports your teeth. Depending on which stage of periodontal disease you have, your teeth may become loose, fall out or have to be extracted. There are three stages of periodontal disease: gingivitis, periodontitis and advanced periodontitis. Periodontal disease often exhibits worsening symptom as time goes on.
- Gingivitis- Gingivitis is the earliest and mildest stage of periodontal disease. It can typically be noticed by inflamed gums, red or swollen gums, which is mainly caused by plaque buildup. This stage of periodontal can also cause your gums to bleed, which you may notice when you brush or floss your teeth. This happens to be the only stage of periodontal that’s reversible with periodontal treatments.
- Periodontitis- At this particular stage, the supporting bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place will be irreversibly damaged. Your gums will also start to separate from your teeth, then form pockets below the gum line which eventually become infected. With periodontal treatment and improved oral hygiene, you and your dentist can usually prevent it from progressing to the next stage.
- Advanced Periodontitis- This is this very final stage of periodontal disease, the bone and fibers supporting your teeth are destroyed, which can cause your teeth to become loose. This can affect your bite, and if aggressive periodontal treatment can’t save them, your teeth may have to be removed.
How Do I Know If I Have Periodontal?
Periodontal does not discriminate, it can affect anyone at any age, but it is most common among adults. If it’s detected in its early stages, periodontal disease can be reversed. The signs and symptoms of periodontal include the following:
- Red, puffy, swollen, or tender gums
- Gums that bleed easily
- Teeth appear to look longer because of gum recession
- Changes in your bite
- Pus between your gums and teeth
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste in your mouth
If you suspect that you may be suffering from periodontal disease, contact Dr. James Yankowskas in Tyngsboro, MA at 978-649-7773 to schedule a consultation today or visit www.tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com for additional information regarding periodontal.
Dr. James Yankowskas proudly serves Tyngsboro, Lowell, Nashua, Dracut, Chelmsford, Dunstable and all surrounding areas.
