Periodontal Disease = Gum Disease

Periodontal disease is also known as gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gum tissues and bone that hold the teeth in place.  It is caused by the bacteria in plaque, a sticky and colorless film that forms on the teeth. The early stages of gum disease can often be reversed and maintained with proper brushing, flossing and regular dental cleaning & check up with the dentist.  Gum disease that is left untreated would lead to tooth loss and other periodontal complications and problems.

This is the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) classification of Periodontal Disease:

Type I  Gingivitis

·       Earliest stage of gum disease

·       No loss of attachment, no bone loss

·       Bleeding on probing may be present

·       At this early stage in gum disease, damage can be reversible since there is no bone loss.

·       Proper brushing, floss and regular dental cleaning help to remove plaque

Type II  Early Periodontitis

·       Pocket depths or attachment loss: 3-4mm.  Bone loss is present.

·       Periodontal pockets are formed as the dental tissues (gums and supportive ligaments) begin to pull away from the tooth.  These pockets trap bacteria and causes gum infection

·       Localized area of gingival recession; gums pull away and exposes the root

·       Bleeding on probing may be present

·       Damages caused by gum disease is irreversible

Type III  Moderate Periodontitis

·       Pocket depths or attachment loss: 4-6mm.   Bone loss is present.

·       Bleeding on probing

·       Furcation involvement

·       Teeth show mobility (loose)

·       Damages cause by gum disease is irreversible

Type IV  Advanced Periodontitis

·       Pocket depths or attachment loss: greater than 6mm.   Bone loss is present.

·       Supporting tissues and bone are destroyed. 

·       Bleeding on probing

·       Furcation involvement

·       Teeth show increased mobility (loose).  Some teeth are so loose that they may need to be extracted.

·       Damages caused by gum disease is irreversible

Signs of Periodontal Disease

·       Gums are red, swollen or tender

·       Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing

·       Teeth that look longer due to gum recessions

·       Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums

·       Loose or shifting teeth

·       Persistent  bad breath or bad taste in the mouth

·       Changes of the teeth fit together when biting (occlusion)

·       Changes of the fit of the partial denture

Gum disease can occur at any age.  If gum disease is detected and treated at early stages, it can be reversed and maintained.  Currently, there is no cure for gum disease. 

If you notice any signs of periodontal disease, please contact Glendora Dentist, Dr. Anna Lee for a dental checkup.  You don’t have to lose teeth to periodontal disease.  Dr. Anna Lee can help to save your teeth. Call and schedule a free consultation at 626-335-5114 or visit us at www.annaleedds.com

Periodontal Disease = Gum Disease

Periodontal disease is also known as gum disease, it is a bacterial infection of the gum tissues and bone that hold the teeth in place.  It is caused by the bacteria in plaque, a sticky and colorless film that forms on the teeth. The early stages of gum disease can often be reversed and maintained with proper brushing, flossing and regular dental cleanings & check ups with the dentist.  Gum disease that is left untreated can lead to tooth loss and other periodontal complications and problems.

This is the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) classification of Periodontal Disease:

Type I  Gingivitis

·       Earliest stage of gum disease

·       No loss of attachment, no bone loss

·       Bleeding on probing may be present

·       At this early stage in gum disease, damage can be reversible since there is no bone loss.

·       Proper brushing, flossing and regular dental cleanings help to remove plaque

Type II  Early Periodontitis

·       Pocket depths or attachment loss: 3-4mm.  Bone loss is present.

·       Periodontal pockets are formed as the dental tissues (gums and supportive ligaments) begin to pull away from the tooth.  These pockets trap bacteria and causes gum infection

·       Localized area of gingival recession; gums pull away and expose the root

·       Bleeding on probing may be present

·       Damages caused by gum disease is irreversible

Type III  Moderate Periodontitis

·       Pocket depths or attachment loss: 4-6mm.   Bone loss is present.

·       Bleeding on probing

·       Furcation involvement

·       Teeth show mobility (loose)

·       Damages cause by gum disease is irreversible

Type IV  Advanced Periodontitis

·       Pocket depths or attachment loss: greater than 6mm.   Bone loss is present.

·       Supporting tissues and bone are destroyed. 

·       Bleeding on probing

·       Furcation involvement

·       Teeth show increased mobility (loose).  Some teeth are so loose that they may need to be extracted.

·       Damages caused by gum disease is irreversible

Signs of Periodontal Disease

·       Gums are red, swollen or tender

·       Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing

·       Teeth that look longer due to gum recessions

·       Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums

·       Loose or shifting teeth

·       Persistent  bad breath or bad taste in the mouth

·       Changes in how the teeth fit together when biting (occlusion)

·       Changes of the fit of a partial denture

Gum disease can occur at any age.  If gum disease is detected and treated at early stages, it can be reversed and maintained.  Currently, there is no cure for gum disease. 

If you notice any signs of periodontal disease, please contact Glendora Dentist, Dr. Anna Lee for a dental checkup.  You don’t have to lose teeth to periodontal disease.  Dr. Anna Lee can help to save your teeth. Call and schedule a free consultation at 626-335-5114 or visit us at www.annaleedds.com

Prevention of Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease)

        

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is usually caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms between the gums and the teeth. If plaque is not removed with brushing and flossing between the teeth, gum tissues that surround the teeth would become irritated and inflamed. The inflamed gum tissues can progress to affect the bone that surrounds and supports the teeth, which can result in tooth loss.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about half of American adults have gum disease and many of them end up losing at least one tooth and often several.  CDC also reports that three out of every four older Americans has gum disease.

There are 4 general stages of Gum Disease:

·       Stage 1:  Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease caused by plaque buildup between the gums and teeth

              Gums bleed easily when brushed or when probed gently during examination

              Gums are inflamed and sensitive to touch

              Possible bad breath and bad taste

              No bone loss, reversible gum disease

·       Stage 2:  Early Periodontitis has slight bone loss that supports the teeth

               Gums may begin to pull away from the teeth

               Bleeding, puffiness and inflammation more pronounced

               Bad breath, bad taste

               Non-reversible gum disease

·       Stage 3:  Moderate Periodontitis-more bone loss

               Gum boils or abscesses may develop

               Teeth look longer as gums begin to recede

               Teeth may begin to drift, showing spaces

               Bad breath, bad taste

               Non-reversible gum disease

·       Stage 4:  Advanced Periodontitis-most severe stage of the gum disease

               Severe bone loss, receding gums, roots may be exposed and are sensitive to hot and cold

               Visible pus surrounding the teeth and gums, loose teeth

               Non-reversible gum disease