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Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, starts out as gingivitis – a condition that impacts approximately 90% of adults. Everyone has germs in their mouth that can cause periodontal disease. Those germs mix with sugary foods in your diet, causing a sticky plaque to form on your teeth. If this plaque is not removed with daily brushing and flossing, your gums can get infected with gum disease.

There are 3 stages of gum disease:

Gingivitis- This is the earliest stage. Your gums are red and puffy but this phase of disease is reversible because it has not spread to the bone.

Mild to Moderate Periodontitis- The supporting structures of the tooth now have irreversible damage due to the disease. Bone loss is evident on x-rays, and the gums bleed when you floss or brush.

Advanced Periodontitis- The supporting tooth structures are all destroyed – causing the teeth to become mobile to the point that they will fall out.

You may have gum disease if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Puffy, red or tender gums
• Gum recession
• Bad breath or bad taste in your mouth
• Gums that bleed when you brush and floss
• Flappy gums that have pulled away from your teeth

What can be done to treat gum disease?

Brushing and flossing daily will help keep plaque from building up, which will help your gums stay healthy. If your gum disease has advanced to a later stage, you need to see a gum specialist to save your teeth.

If you think you have gum disease, contact your dentist. The good news is that the early stages of the infection can be reversed if you seek care out early.

Posted on behalf of:
Gwinnett Family Dental Care
3455 Lawrenceville Hwy
Lawrenceville, GA 30044
(770) 921-1115