Stages of Gum Disease
If you want to have a healthy smile and good dental health, it’s important that you take good care of your gums as well as your teeth. If you don’t floss everyday, brush at least twice a day, and visit with your dentist twice a year, you run a risk of develop some sort of problem involving the gums and the other soft tissues in your mouth. One such problem that affects many people is gum disease. The team at our Harrisburg cosmetic dentistry office would like to take a moment to discuss the various stages of gum disease and what problems each poses for people who wish to maintain good dental health.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. Some signs of gingivitis include inflamed and discolored gums and bleeding gums. At this point, the main concern is treating your gums to make sure that the gum disease does not progress any further.
Early Periodontitis
The next stage of gum disease is called early periodontitis, which is much more serious than gingivitis. At this stage of gum disease, inflammation and bleeding will continue to get worse. Gum recession around the teeth begins at this stage. Tooth decay may begin to form beneath the gumline at this stage.
Moderate Periodontitis
Moderate periodontitis is the next stage and, as expected, it involves the worsening of previous symptoms. Bone loss in the jaw may start to occur at this point, and your teeth may feel loose or may begin to shift out of place.
Advanced Periodontitis
The most advanced stage of gum disease is advanced periodontitis. At this point, major tooth decay may form beneath the gumline. Teeth may have exposed roots leading to major issues with sensitivity. It’s very likely that bone loss and tooth loss may occur.
If you suffer from gum disease, there are plenty of treatment options available that can help restore your dental health. Gum grafting may be used to help rebuild the gumline. For tooth decay, tooth bonding and Harrisburg dental crowns may be good options.
For more information about gum disease treatments and what you can do to improve your dental health, contact our Harrisburg cosmetic dentistry office today.
