gum disease or
Periodontitis is present in 75 percent of the adult population and can exist in varying stages of severity
The presence of gum disease is determined during a routine
Periodontal Exam which includes a gentle probing of the area between teeth and gums or gum pocket to measure the depth of the pocket
The Deeper the measurement the more severe the infection
Healthy teeth and gums are indicated by a pocket depth of one to three millimeters with no bleeding or sensitivity
Healthy gums will appear pink in color and gum tissue closely hugs the teeth
stage [two] is in the early onset of gum disease known as
Gingivitis and is indicated by pocket depths of three to four millimeters
gingivitis is caused when
Bacteria start to multiply within the plaque and build up on the surface of the teeth causing red and slightly inflamed
infected gum tissue
If gingivitis goes untreated the condition may advance to stage three a more aggressive form of the disease
symptoms become more visible with tender swollen gums that bleed easily
pocket depths can reach five to seven millimeters in
Stage three Bacteria multiply
Invade the gum tissue and spread to [the] underlying bone that supports the teeth gums may bleed when probed and may appear swollen
recommended treatment may include
Scaling and root planing [a] type of deep cleaning that goes below the gum line where Bacteria
like to hide and a locally delivered
antibiotic such as a reston that will continue to fight the infection and allow the gum tissue to heal as
Gum disease advances to stage four pocket depths increase to eight to nine millimeters or more and further
deterioration of teeth and Surrounding bone occurs
Teeth will become loose and roots will become exposed as further bonus lost
Bacteria and their toxins will now invade the blood vessels in the gum tissue and travel to vital organs [in]
addition to scaling and root planing and an application of a local antibiotic some teeth may need to be
Extracted and a consultation with a periodontist or gum specialist may be scheduled for further
regenerative procedures in
All cases gum disease is a treatable condition
and if detected early on can be reversed with good patient home care and
Periodic recall visits the more advanced forms of gum disease cannot be fully reversed and treatment becomes costly and time-consuming
Your doctor will recommend the most effective course of treatment for your particular condition
Total oral [Healthcare] begins at home
Your doctor can suggest professional quality home care tools that will help you maintain healthy gums and a bright beautiful
smile
