Moberly, MO
Periodontal Gum Disease in Moberly, MO
Comprehensive Periodontal Gum Disease Care
Comprehensive Periodontal Dentistry
What Is Periodontal Disease?
The Stages of Periodontal Gum Disease
Periodontal gum disease progresses subtly. Many symptoms go unnoticed in the early stages, allowing the condition to evolve and cause more extensive damage. The stages of periodontal disease include:
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal gum disease. With gingivitis, patients experience inflamed, red, and puffy gums that may bleed when brushing or flossing. It’s important to address periodontal disease during the gingivitis stage, as early intervention is the key to successful treatment.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is the second stage of periodontal gum disease and is also the second most severe. Periodontitis may include the same symptoms as the gingivitis stage with the addition of more problematic occurrences. During this stage, the gums begin pulling away from the teeth, making the teeth appear elongated.
Advanced Periodontal Disease
The third and final stage of periodontal gum disease is known as advanced periodontal disease. Unfortunately, advanced periodontal disease cannot be reversed. This is the stage of the condition where the gums can no longer support the teeth, resulting in the teeth loosening and tooth loss or mandatory tooth extraction.
Periodontal Disease Causes
The causes of periodontal disease vary from one patient to the next. There are several factors that contribute to the progression of periodontal gum disease, including the following:
- Insufficient dental hygiene
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Certain medications
- Chronic illnesses, including diabetes
- Genetics
Periodontal Disease Symptoms
When a patient is experiencing periodontal disease, they will likely notice one or several uncomfortable symptoms. The common periodontal disease symptoms include:
- Inflamed gums
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Red and/or bleeding gums
- Relentless bad breath
- Elongated teeth
- Gum pockets
- Pain and discomfort while chewing
- Loose teeth