Is Gum Disease on Your Radar?

The health of your gums is the foundation of your oral health. But did you know it plays in integral role in your overall health too? While gum disease is a common condition, it has been linked to heart disease, stroke, premature births and other serious health conditions when left untreated. At Modern Dental & Implants, we realize the importance of addressing your gum disease at its earliest possible stage, before it affects your teeth, bones and overall health.

The Stages of Gum Disease

Gum disease is treated based on its severity or stage. These are the typical stages of periodontal disease:

Gingivitis: The first stage of gum disease is gingivitis, which presents as gums that are tender, puffy and even bleed. Gingivitis is caused by a buildup of plaque and toxins beneath the gum line.

Periodontitis: During the second stage, irritation and inflammation in the gums worsen. When you have periodontitis, your gums bleed easily and you may experience bone loss in your jaw as well as loose teeth.

Advanced Periodontitis: The most progressed form of gum disease involves significant damage to the periodontal ligament, which causes your teeth to lose proper stability. It is imperative that you seek treatment for advanced periodontitis as soon as possible to avoid losing your teeth.

How is Gum Disease Treated?

Gum disease treatment is typically initiated with a specialized periodontal cleaning procedure known as scaling and root planing, or deep cleaning. Combined with diligent brushing and flossing at home, a professional deep cleaning can prevent gum disease from worsening and save your smile.

Know the Symptoms of Gum Disease

When we fail to remove plaque on our teeth, it will harden into tarter and may eventually cause an infection below the gum line. Left untreated, this infection can spread and cause your gums to separate from your teeth. Certain factors, such as smoking, diabetes or crooked teeth, can increase your risk for gum disease.

If you have the following signs of gum disease, please call our dental team:

• Red gums
• Bleeding gums
• Inflamed or puffy gums
• Teeth movement
• Pain or irritation in the gums

You can trust Modern Dental & Implants for the prevention, treatment and management of gum disease as part of our comprehensive family dental care plan. Call our Lodi dental clinic today to schedule your appointment.