Reviewed by Dr. Matthew Young, DDS
Reading time: three minutes.
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is the leading cause of tooth loss in the US. It damages your gums and if untreated, destroys the bone that supports your teeth.
But with proper treatment and regular dental check-ups, you can manage this condition effectively and keep your teeth for a lifetime.
In this blog, we explain this oral disease, give tips on how to prevent it and answer some FAQs.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Periodontal Disease
- The 5 Stages of Gum Disease
- Additional Resources
- Tips to Prevent Gum Disease
- Treatment Options for Gum Disease
- Post Street Dental Group: The Best Dentist in San Francisco
Key Takeaway
If you catch gum disease in the early stages and take steps to improve your oral health, your risk of losing your teeth due to gum disease will be less. Untreated gum disease will result in tooth and bone loss as well as systemic health complications.
Understanding Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease starts with plaque accumulation on your teeth. Plaque buildup hardens into tartar, which harbors bacteria that irritate the gums, leading to gum inflammation and gum tissue damage.
If left untreated, periodontal disease will progress and cause bone loss, loose teeth, and eventually tooth loss.
The 5 Stages of Gum Disease
- Gingivitis: The earliest and most reversible stage, characterized by gum inflammation, redness, and bleeding.
- Slight periodontitis: Early bone loss, pocket formation, and potential tooth mobility.
- Moderate periodontitis: Increased bone loss, deeper pockets, and noticeable tooth mobility.
- Severe periodontitis: Extensive bone loss, severe pocket formation, significant tooth mobility, and potential tooth loss.
- Advanced periodontitis: Severe bone and tissue loss, multiple tooth loss, and potential for systemic health complications.
Additional Resources
- Gum Disease Quiz: How Do I Know if I Have Gum Disease?
- What Is a Dental Deep Cleaning? Scaling and Root Planing Explained
- How Often Should You Go to the Dentist?
Tips to Prevent Gum Disease
- Brush and floss daily: Maintain regular brushing and flossing to remove plaque.
- Regular dental check-ups: Schedule visits for professional cleanings and early detection.
- Healthy diet: A balanced diet supports overall oral health and reduces plaque buildup.
- Avoid tobacco: Smoking is a significant risk factor for gum disease.
- Use antiseptic mouthwash: Helps reduce plaque accumulation and bacterial growth.
Treatment Options for Gum Disease
Non-surgical
- Professional dental cleaning
- Scaling and root planing
- Antibiotics
Surgical
- Flap surgery
- Bone and tissue grafts
- Guided tissue regeneration
- Laser therapy
Post Street Dental Group: The Best Dentist in San Francisco
Healthy gums are important for a healthy smile. At Post Street Dental Group, our experienced dentists use the latest technology to identify and address any issues with your gums in its early stages.
Our personalized treatment plans aim to minimize the progression of this disease, helping you keep your teeth for as long as possible.
If you are searching for ‘the best dentist in San Francisco, CA’ or ‘dental cleaning near me’ we can help! Call (415) 986-4534 to schedule an appointment or complete the online booking form.
According to the MedlinePlus.gov, “more than 42% of adults over 30 in the US have some form of gum disease and almost 8% have severe gum disease.” Almost 60% of adults 65 and older have some form of gum disease. Periodontal disease is more common in women than men, more than 65% of smokers have periodontal disease, and 60% of people with diabetes have periodontal disease.
You can reverse the initial stages with a good oral hygiene routine which includes brushing and flossing, regular dental check-ups, and antiseptic mouthwashes. Deep cleaning and root planing can prevent the progression to more advanced stages.
Gingivitis is the only reversible stage of periodontal disease, given it is addressed promptly with regular brushing and professional cleanings.
The progression speed varies based on individual risk factors like smoking, diabetes, and certain health conditions, including heart disease and respiratory disease. However, without proper treatment, periodontal disease can progress rapidly, leading to tooth loss within a few years.