Because the symptoms of gum disease can be hard to spot, many Americans don’t realize that their gum health is at risk. At Hillstream Dental, we’d like to change that! Not only is gum disease preventable with a good at-home oral hygiene routine and regular visits to our office, but it’s often treatable if caught early on. To help you learn to detect gum disease before it’s too late, here’s some information about the 4 stages of gum disease.
The 4 Stages of Gum Disease
Gingivitis
Initial Periodontitis
Mild Periodontitis
Progressive Periodontitis
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. At this stage, gums become inflamed due to irritation from bacterial plaque. Gingivitis is incredibly common and is usually the result of poor oral hygiene. Our team often treats gingivitis with a thorough professional dental cleaning. We may use techniques such as scaling and root planing to remove and discourage the buildup of plaque and tartar beneath your gums.
While gingivitis is the most common form of gum disease, only around 10 to 15 percent of patients with gingivitis will go on to develop initial periodontitis. During this stage, the inflammation spreads deep within your gums. This impacts the tissues that link your teeth to your jaw bone, and can lead to bone loss if left untreated.
At the mild periodontitis stage, patients are at a high risk for significant bone loss. Anywhere from 20 to 50 percent of the teeth’s root surfaces may be impacted. At this stage, inflammation due to periodontal disease can become a chronic issue.
Progressive periodontitis involves severe bone loss. This can lead to loosening teeth, shifting teeth, or even losing teeth. In fact, gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss among American adults.
Gum Disease Prevention in Rochester Hills & St. Clair Shores
Like many common dental issues, gum disease is preventable and can often be reversed if caught early. Our preventive dental treatments can save you money by catching dental problems when they are easier to treat. To ask our team any questions about gum disease or to schedule your next appointment, call our office today!
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