The 3 Stages of Gum Disease

Gum disease is not limited to people who completely ignore their dental care. Some estimates point to approximately three out of every four Americans having some form of gum disease.

It is critically important to brush and floss your teeth regularly to minimize the number of bacteria that can be present in your mouth. The earlier the disease is identified and treated by your dentist, the better your chances of keeping your teeth for the rest of your life.

Dr. Angela Kraus and her team at Tom Kraus Dental Clinic are experts at gum disease treatment in Fond Du Lac.

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This early stage of gum disease is caused by plaque and bacterial buildup around the gum line. These bacteria can grow if you neglect to brush or floss your teeth daily. Gingivitis is marked by inflammation of the gums, making them appear red and swollen to the point they may bleed when you brush or floss.

The good news is gingivitis can be reversed at this point, since the bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place have not yet been affected. The gum tissues can heal once the plaque and bacterial irritants have been removed from the teeth and gums.

Gingivitis can progress into periodontitis if left untreated. This more serious sage of gum disease features irreversible damage to the supporting bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place. The spaces between your teeth and gums begin to form pockets, which are hollow areas around the teeth that trap plaque and bacteria. This material destroys the structures that support your teeth. Visiting a dentist for immediate gum disease treatment is necessary to prevent further damage and potential tooth loss.

The connective tissues and bone that support the teeth have been largely destroyed in this final stage of gum disease. Bacteria that has been allowed to thrive in pockets around the teeth have become much deeper, causing the teeth to shift or become loose. Seeing a dentist for gum disease treatment is the last resort in saving the teeth.