WatchGum Disease
Gum disease, stage by stage, and how we treat it
Gum disease is far more common than most people assume: more than 75% of adults over 35 have some form of it, usually without realizing until it's well underway. Periodontitis builds quietly, as plaque hardens into tartar along the gumline, the gums grow inflamed, and the bacteria gradually attack the bone that holds your teeth in place. Leave it untreated and it becomes the leading cause of adult tooth loss in the United States.
The progression is laid out in this video, from the earliest sign (gingivitis, with red, swollen, easily-bleeding gums) through the more advanced stages where pockets form between the teeth and gums. Watch for the other warning signs too: chronic bad breath, gums pulling away from the teeth, and teeth that feel loose or shift position.
The timing matters more than almost anything, because gingivitis is reversible while full periodontal disease can only be controlled, not undone. That's exactly why catching it early at a regular checkup counts for so much. Treatment usually begins with a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing to remove the bacteria below the gumline.
From there, ongoing periodontal maintenance visits keep the disease from returning. Noticing any of the warning signs? Please schedule an evaluation at Brammeier Dental of Naperville. The sooner we intervene, the more of your natural smile we can preserve.
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