Posted: May 2, 2024
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection that damages the soft tissue and bones supporting your teeth. It starts quietly, often without pain, making it easy to overlook without regular dental check-ups.
Understanding gum disease is crucial because, although common, it is preventable. By learning about how this condition progresses, you can take early steps to prevent it, protecting your oral health.
Early detection of gum disease symptoms plays a key role in managing and preventing its long-term effects.
Recognizing the Stages of Gum Disease
Gum disease progresses through three main stages, each worsening if left untreated. The first stage, gingivitis, is marked by red, swollen gums that may bleed easily when you brush or floss.
The second stage, periodontitis, occurs when the inflammation spreads deeper. At this point, you may notice gum recession or pockets forming between your gums and teeth, harboring harmful bacteria.
Advanced periodontitis is the final and most severe stage. Here, the fibers and bone supporting your teeth are significantly damaged, leading to tooth instability or loss. Recognizing these early stages can significantly impact your oral health, helping prevent serious outcomes.
Preventing and Managing Gum Disease
Regular dental hygiene practices are the first step in controlling and preventing gum disease. You can greatly lower your risk by using mouthwash and brushing and flossing twice a day. Frequent dental exams are essential because they enable your dentist to identify gum disease early on and take prompt action.
If you smoke, consider quitting. Smoking is a major risk factor for developing gum disease, as it weakens your immune system, making it harder to fight off a gum infection.
Should gum disease develop, treatments vary depending on the stage and severity. Early stages might only require professional cleaning, while more advanced gum disease could necessitate scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar from deep pockets around the teeth.
Your dentist might also prescribe antibiotics to clear up infections in some cases. Remember, each case is unique, and your dentist will recommend the best treatment plan.
Schedule Your Gum Disease Consultation in Calgary
Ready to take control of your oral health? Dr. Gordon Chee and his team of experts at the Aesthetic Dental Studio in Calgary, Alberta, are committed to helping you prevent and manage gum disease.
Don't wait to address gum disease symptoms. Schedule a consultation today or call us at 403-543-4600. Let us help you maintain your oral health and enhance your smile.
