Did you know that there are two stages of periodontal disease, also known as gum disease? Well, it’s true! Periodontal disease is a complex dental problem that is very serious and dangerous. If it’s left untreated, it can result in loose and lost teeth. To help you know more about the disease, our Sami Y. Nouhad, DDS team has provided the following information:
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and it develops when the plaque on your teeth is left untreated. As the plaque grows, it begins to irritate your gums, making them red, swollen, and tender. You might also experience persistent bad breath and bleeding gums often. If the plaque is still left untreated, periodontitis forms.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis involves the gums moving away from the teeth because of the irritation of the plaque. This then creates pockets that tend to collect debris and bacteria throughout the day. The plaque continues to grow and it moves underneath the gumline. As it reaches the underlying bone, the toxins in the plaque begin to destroy it, resulting in loose and, eventually, lost teeth.
To prevent the development of this disease, we recommend keeping up on oral hygiene and attending your regular six-month checkups. So, if you need to schedule your next cleaning appointment with Dr. Sami Y. Nouhad, we encourage you to call 323-466-3541 today and talk to a member of our caring dental team. We look forward to cleaning your smile and preventing gum disease!