Title: What are the Stages of Periodontal Disease
1What are the Stages of Periodontal Disease?
2Periodontal disease is a progressive disease of
the teeth and gums that can lead to infected and
receding gums, destruction of the periodontal
tissues (the periodontal ligament that holds the
tooth in its socket, and the bone to which it is
attached), loss of teeth, and even a compromised
immune system.
3Cosmetic dentists can repair the visible
damage of periodontal disease, and family
dentists can help prevent and treat it, but the
first and best line of defense is proper dental
hygiene by the patients themselves.
4The stages of periodontal disease are 1.
Gingivitis 2. Early Periodontitis, and 3.
Advanced Periodontitis.
5 Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal
disease, and the stage with which the average
person is most familiar.
6 Gingivitis
Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums caused
by a buildup of plaque at the gum line and base
of the teeth that can harbor harmful bacteria.
7 Gingivitis
These bacteria produce waste and toxins which
irritate and inflame the gums, a symptom of which
is bleeding during brushing.
8 Gingivitis
This is the easiest stage of periodontal disease
to treat and reverse, as no damage to the
periodontal tissues has yet occurred.
9Early Periodontitis
When gingivitis goes untreated it can cause
buildup of tartar on the teeth at the gum line.
10Early Periodontitis
This buildup often has an irregular surface of
pits, sharp edges, and grooves.
11Early Periodontitis
It is an ideal surface for even more plaque
formation, and can cause pockets to form in the
gums at the base of the teeth that can ultimately
extend down to the periodontal tissues.
12Early Periodontitis
Food, bacteria, and additional plaque can become
trapped deep in these pockets which then begin to
damage bone and ligament tissue.
13Early Periodontitis
This damage is irreversible, but it can be
stopped with proper treatment.
14Advanced Periodontitis
As the periodontal disease progresses, the gum
line may recede making the teeth appear longer,
the pockets at the base of the teeth may grow
larger and deeper -
15Advanced Periodontitis
- and bone and ligament damage progresses to the
point that the teeth loosen and shift in the gums.
16Advanced Periodontitis
This can cause an incorrect bite, further
infection, and ultimately loss of teeth. Other
symptoms may include bad breath and tastes, pain,
pus discharge, and discomfort while eating.
17Genetics and lifestyle factors can contribute to
the severity of periodontal disease. Hormonal
changes, illness and some medications may make
the gums more sensitive or affect the protective
flow of saliva.
18Clenching the jaw or grinding the teeth can put
additional stress on the bones and ligaments of
the periodontal tissues.
19Poor diet and stress may contribute to faulty
immune system responses, and diabetes and smoking
in particular are key contributors to periodontal
disease.
20Successful treatment of periodontal disease
begins with you.
21Since plaque buildup is the primary cause of the
disease, a proper regimen of brushing and
flossing should help prevent the onset of
gingivitis.
22Proper diet, sleep and stress relief, refraining
from smoking, and proper treatment and handling
of immune system issues in the individual are
determining factors in preventive care.
23Services provided at regular checkups by family
dentists such as plaque and tarter removal
complete the prevention program. Good dental
health is about much more than a great smile!
24If you are seeking professional dental advice,
it's time to call Shumway Dental Care.
25Their Chandler dentists will ask you questions,
examine you, and determine exactly what needs to
be done to get you back to normal.
26Call today for an appointment.
27Visit www.shumwaydental.com
28SHUMWAY DENTAL CARE 3150 S Gilbert Rd Suite
1 Chandler, AZ 85286 (480) 420-7551