What Is Gum Disease?
Both plaque and tartar are substances that can be found on teeth, and both of them harbor bacteria. This bacteria attacks the gums, leading to gum disease.
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums due to the unchecked presence of bacteria in plaque and tartar on the teeth. This disease begins with annoying symptoms that patients often ignore, not realizing that it can lead to serious consequences like tooth loss and health complications.
Gum Disease Stages
Gingivitis is the first, mild stage of gum disease. This is where the swollen, bleeding gums come in. But without your dentist getting involved to remove this plaque, it will progress into periodontitis.
Periodontitis is the stage at which gum disease is far more than a minor annoyance. Gum tissue begins to recede, and teeth are becoming unstable. Patients may even notice symptoms like pus and sores.
Unfortunately, this is typically the stage at which patients finally come to see us. Periodontitis is often treatable, but it would be far better for patients to come to our office at the gingivitis stage.
In addition to oral health concerns, patients need to be treated for gum disease in order to protect their overall health. Studies have shown that there is a link between a buildup of the bacteria that is always present in your mouth and plaque and major health issues in your body.
Although tooth loss itself is a major concern, the whole-body effects of untreated gum disease are where things get serious: heart disease, arthritis, respiratory disease, preterm labor for pregnant women…your entire body can be compromised due to the bacteria on your teeth.
