Did you know gum disease is a complex dental issue that can affect your smile, oral health and even your entire health in a myriad of ways? Well, it’s true. In fact, gum disease is so complex that is has two different stages. Our dentists, Dr. David Dickey and Dr. Seth Conley, would like to tell you all about the two stages so you can know all about this disease. The more you know, the better chance you have of preventing and treating it.
The first stage of gum disease is gingivitis. Gingivitis has many symptoms, like red, swollen and tender gums. It also makes the gums bleed easily, like when you brush, floss and even eat. You might also experience constant bad breath that is tough to treat. Treatment for this stage is a professional dental cleaning.
The second stage of gum disease is periodontitis. Periodontitis occurs when the plaque affecting the smile turns into tartar. The tartar irritates the gums so much that it makes them pull away from the base of the teeth. This forms gum pockets that likely get infected. The tartar moves to these pockets and then the tooth roots. As time passes, it even spreads to the underlying bone to cause loose and lost teeth. Treatments for this stage often include scaling and root planing and dental grafts.
To learn more about gum disease in New Castle, Indiana, please contact Family Dental Care of New Castle when you have the chance. Our dental team is here to help you in any way we can, even if it’s just by answering your questions, so please don’t hesitate to dial 765-529-4300 now!