Your gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. They provide the essential support that holds your teeth firmly in place. However, many people focus only on their teeth and neglect the health of their gums. This can lead to the development of gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, a serious and progressive infection that can lead to tooth loss and has even been linked to other systemic health problems. The good news is that gum disease is largely preventable with good oral hygiene and, when caught early, is highly treatable. Understanding the stages of gum disease and its warning signs is the first step in protecting your foundation.
The Cause of Gum Disease: Plaque and Tartar
Gum disease is caused by plaque, a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that is constantly forming on your teeth. If this plaque is not removed daily by brushing and flossing, it can harden into a rough, porous substance called tartar (or calculus).
- The Problem with Tartar: Once tartar has formed, it cannot be removed with a regular toothbrush. The bacteria in the tartar produce toxins that irritate and inflame the gum tissue, causing the initial stage of gum disease.
Stage 1: Gingivitis (The Reversible Stage)
Gingivitis is the earliest and mildest form of gum disease.
- The Symptoms: The most common sign of gingivitis is gums that are red, swollen, and bleed easily when you brush or floss. You may also notice some bad breath.
- The Good News: At this stage, the infection is only in the gum tissue, and no irreversible damage has been done to the bone or the fibers that support your teeth. Gingivitis can usually be completely reversed with a professional dental cleaning and a consistent, improved routine of daily brushing and flossing at home.
Stage 2: Periodontitis (The Destructive Stage)
If gingivitis is left untreated, the inflammation can progress and advance to a more serious stage called periodontitis.
- What Happens: In periodontitis, the inflammation causes the gums to begin to pull away from the teeth, creating small spaces called “pockets.” These pockets become infected and trap even more plaque and tartar below the gum line.
- The Damage: As the disease progresses, your body’s immune system fights the bacteria, and the toxins and your body’s own response start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold your teeth in place. The pockets become deeper, the bone loss becomes more severe, and the teeth can become loose and may eventually have to be extracted. As the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), the experts on gum health, explains, periodontitis is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
Professional Periodontal Treatments
The treatment for periodontitis focuses on stopping the progression of the disease and restoring the health of your gums. The most common initial treatment is a non-surgical deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing.
- Scaling: Your dentist or hygienist will use special instruments to carefully remove all the tartar and plaque from above and, most importantly, below the gum line.
- Root Planing: The root surfaces of the teeth are then smoothed out. This helps to prevent new bacteria from adhering and allows the gum tissue to heal and reattach to the teeth.
In more advanced cases, surgical treatments may be necessary. The key is early detection and treatment.
Your Temecula and Riverside Experts in Periodontal Treatments
Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. If you have noticed that your gums are red, swollen, or bleed when you brush, do not ignore these warning signs. For patients in the Temecula and Riverside, CA areas, the team at Dr. Parul Mehta and Associates provides expert diagnosis and a range of effective periodontal treatments. Contact us today to schedule a comprehensive exam.
