|
|
 |
|
Gingivitis and periodontitis are the two major
forms of periodontal disease. Without treatment, periodontal disease advances in severity and can result in the loss of teeth. Gingivitis
is an inflammation of the gums. It is characterized by bleeding, tenderness, swelling and redness of the gums. Gingivitis
is usually painless. With professional treatment and good oral hygiene, gingivitis is reversible.
Periodontitis
is an inflammation and / or infection of the bone and ligaments surrounding the teeth. It is a more advanced stage of gum
disease characterized by the separation of the gum from the tooth. Progression of periodontitis can be measured by the depth
of pockets in the gums. In the beginning stages, pocket depth may be three to five millimeters.
As the disease progresses, teeth begin to drift and pockets may deepen to six millimeters and
higher. Bad breath and swollen bleeding gums are common symptoms of periodontitis. If untreated, the bacterial infection can
result in permanent bone and tissue loss.
In its final stages, the fibers and bone that support the teeth are
destroyed causing teeth to become loose and move. This movement can affect your bite and create additional dental problems
if steps are not taken to save these teeth. In some cases, teeth may need to be removed to prevent further damage.
Removing plaque through daily brushing, flossing and professional
cleaning is the best way to minimize your risk of periodontal disease. With proper treatment and regular home maintenance,
your dentist can design a personalized program to meet your needs and increase the chances of keeping your natural teeth.
|
|
|
|
Gingivitis is the first stage of Periodontal disease. Plaque (a sticky substance filled with bacteria) settles along the gum
line of the teeth and causes the gums to swell, become red in appearance and bleed.
If the plaque is not removed, bacteria settles around the roots of the teeth and starts to destroy the supporting bone. The
bone loss is not reversible. The gums become infected and pull away from the teeth, forming pockets.
As the pockets become deeper and the infection progresses, more bacteria accumulates and further bone loss occurs. The gums
shrink away and the teeth start to become loose and may shift. Many people suffer from bad breath at this stage.
When periodontal disease has reached its advanced stage, painful abscesses can form in the gum. There is very little bone
support left and the teeth are loose. In most cases, teeth that have reached this stage require extraction.
|
|
|
|
|