As your trusted Denver dentist, Gentle Smiles of Colorado strives to impart the importance of regular dental visits to all our patients. Dental check-ups are not only important for regular teeth cleaning, but these visits also help prevent serious dental issues by allowing for early detection. One such issue that can be avoided with regular dental visits is periodontal disease. But what is periodontal disease and how can you prevent or treat it?
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums caused by bacteria buildup in your mouth from poor oral hygiene. If left to multiply, the bacteria will turn into plaque, which turns into a harder substance called tartar and pockets begin to form along the gumline.
It doesn’t just stop there, though - it can affect your jaw bone and more if allowed to become severe enough. Severe periodontal disease can lead to bone damage and loss of teeth and requires major dental procedures to treat. Smoking, diabetes, some medications, and hormonal changes can also increase your risk of developing this disease.
The 4 Stages of Periodontal Disease
Gingivitis
The first stage of periodontal disease, Gingivitis, often manifests with little to no pain, but you may notice your gums bleeding while brushing or flossing. Other signs of gingivitis include bad breath and swelling gums. At this stage, the disease is still treatable and should cause no permanent damage if caught early.
Slight Periodontal Disease
Slight periodontal disease, also called periodontitis, is the second stage. Periodontitis symptoms are very similar to gingivitis but are more pronounced. Unfortunately, despite seeming only slightly worse than gingivitis, permanent damage has already been inflicted on the jawbone by this stage. The good news is, periodontal disease can still be managed at this level to prevent further advancement.
Moderate Periodontal Disease
If allowed to progress to moderate periodontal disease, you begin risking harm to the rest of your body. At this stage, you will experience bleeding and pain while brushing and flossing, bad breath, and may also find puss present along the gumline. This is because deeper pockets have formed along your gums which can allow bacteria in. This bacteria could then enter your bloodstream and begin affecting other areas of the body.
Advanced Periodontal Disease
If periodontal disease enters the advanced stage, then severe gum recession and bone loss will eventually lead to loss of teeth and halitosis (chronic bad breath) that require major restorative dental procedures to correct. Even worse, the bacteria can cause severe health conditions such as stroke, heart attack, diabetes, and even some forms of cancer.
Early Warning Signs and Prevention
Good oral hygiene habits like brushing your teeth at least twice daily and flossing at least once a day, along with regular dental check-ups can go a long way in the prevention or early detection of periodontal disease. If you experience occasional bleeding around your gums, it’s time to check in with your Denver dentist!
Make an Appointment to See Your Trusted Denver Dentist
If it’s been a while since you’ve seen a dentist, or you have concerns about periodontal disease, it’s time to visit your dentist. Gentle Smiles of Colorado is your trusted expert for periodontics in Denver and its surrounding areas. With three convenient locations, you can rest assured there is a friendly dental professional nearby to help you on your way to a healthy smile. Contact us today to discuss your treatment options and to schedule your appointment.