Gum Disease Stages - Arkansas Periodontal & Implant Associates

Early Detection and Treatment Can Help Save Your Teeth Without Invasive Treatments

dental patient in need of periodontal treatment

The Dangers Of Gum Disease

Gum disease moves through the blood stream and can inflame preexisting medical conditions. However, gum disease has also been linked to an increased risk for many serious health complications, including:

The Stages of Gum Disease

The daily task of brushing and flossing your teeth has never been more important in order to avoid gum disease and reduce the risks that gum disease places on your overall health than it is today. With hundreds of bacteria that are known to cause periodontal disease present in the mouth, thorough home care habits and regular dental visits are vital to your health. It has been estimated that 75 percent of Americans have some form of gum disease. This condition can be linked to serious health complications and often causes dental problems that are avoidable.
Gingivitis Arkansas Periodontal & Implant Associates

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and is caused by plaque and bacterial buildup around the gum line. If you neglect to brush or floss your teeth daily, these bacteria can grow and cause gum disease. Gingivitis causes inflammation of the gums. Gums that should otherwise be pink will appear red and swollen and you might experience bleeding when you brush or floss. However, at this point, gingivitis can still be reversed since the bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place have not yet been affected. The gum tissues heal once the irritants have been removed from the teeth and gums, thus eliminating gingivitis.
Periodontitis Arkansas Periodontal & Implant Associates

Periodontitis

If gingivitis is left untreated, the condition can progress to periodontitis. At this stage, the supporting bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place have been irreversibly damaged. The spaces between your teeth and gums begin to form “pockets,” which are deep hollow areas around the teeth that trap plaque and bacteria. These deeper pockets allow plaque, bacteria, and tartar to accumulate, destroying the structures that support the teeth. Your gums may recede and form gaps between your teeth. Visiting a doctor for immediate gum disease treatment is necessary to prevent further damage and tooth loss.
Advance Periodontitis Arkansas Periodontal & Implant Associates

Advance Periodontitis

In this final stage of gum disease, periodontitis has progressed and become advanced periodontitis. Bacteria that was allowed to grow, spread, and cause destruction has destroyed the connective tissues and bone that support the teeth. The pockets that formed in the previous stage have become much deeper. Your teeth can shift or become loose. Loose teeth that move around in the mouth may affect your bite. At this stage, seeing a doctor for gum disease treatment is needed to save the teeth.

Ready to Schedule Your Appointment?

The stages of gum disease are progressive and can result in eventual tooth loss if left untreated. The earlier that this disease is identified and treated, the better your chances are to keep your teeth for the rest of your life. Schedule your appointment with a doctor for gum disease detection and treatment today. Whether you are looking into getting dental implants, fix your receding gums, or treat periodontal disease – you can rely on Dr. Pierce Osborne, Dr. Michael Curry, and Dr. Wes Shelton. We service patients in Fayetteville, Rogers, Fort Smith, and Harrison, and the surrounding areas. Call or schedule an appointment with us today!