Has Your Gum Disease Worsened to Periodontitis?

Here are some important things to remembers about Gum Disease.

Gum disease is classified as either gingivitis or periodontitis. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and is reversible with treatment (usually with help from your local dentist in Ft. Lauderdale or Deerfield Beach).

However, it can also develop into the more serious – and eventually painful – problem, periodontitis.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis results in swollen, irritated gums that bleed easily. Good oral health habits, including daily flossing and brushing, as well as getting regular professional teeth cleanings from your dentist can prevent and help to reverse this disease.

Gingivitis typically doesn’t result in the loss of gum tissue or teeth.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis occurs as a result of untreated gingivitis.

In periodontitis, the gums significantly recede from the teeth, leading to the formation of infected pockets. As your body’s immune system struggles to fight off these infection, tissues and bones may start to break down.

Without proper treatment, the gums, connective tissue, and jaw bones that support your teeth may all deteriorate and begin to compromise your overall oral health. Eventually, the teeth will loosen and either fall out or have to be removed. And that’s no fun!

Once you’ve been diagnosed with periodontitis, you’ll want to immediately speak with a periodontist to talk about treatment options before things get ever worse.

Questions? Speak Directly with a Periodontist

If you have questions for a periodontist – what we do, how we can help your smile, how we treat gum disease or what services we provide for ‘fixing smiles’ – please contact our offices. We’d be happy to talk more with you!

Deerfield Beach office: (954) 427-5700