Bogota Dental Center
85 East Main Street
Bogota, NJ 07603
888-505-1145

Periodontal Disease

Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis, or periodontal disease. Severe cases of periodontitis can cause tooth loss and other health problems. Caring for your teeth by brushing, flossing and visiting your dentist regularly can prevent periodontitis.

Gingivitis

There are many stages of infection before periodontal disease becomes an issue. However, measures must be taken to prevent infection. Periodontitis occurs in stages starting with gingivitis. Your dentist may also refer to gingivitis as gum disease. Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. Nearly 80 percent of all adults have symptoms of gingivitis according to the American Academy of Periodontology. Symptoms include redness, soreness and bleeding of the gums. Gums may appear puffy or swollen. Gingivitis is usually caused by improper oral hygiene. Gingivitis is easily treated with proper oral care. Daily brushing and flossing can prevent the symptoms of gingivitis. Regular visits to your dentist can check for oral health conditions and treat difficult gingivitis.

Aggressive Periodontitis

Aggressive periodontitis occurs when gingivitis has not been treated properly. Common symptoms of aggressive periodontitis include bone destruction, familial aggregation and tooth attachment loss. A dentist can diagnose if aggressive periodontitis is present. A dentist can treat the symptoms of aggressive periodontitis and help prevent periodontal disease.

Chronic Periodontitis

Chronic periodontitis is most prevalent in adults but can occur at any age. Inflammation of the supporting tissue around teeth, progressive attachment and bone loss are symptoms of chronic periodontitis. It is the most frequently treated form of periodontal disease. Characterized by a pocket formation around the tooth and recession of the gingiva, chronic periodontitis is a slow progression of periodontal disease. The more gums become infected, the higher risk there is for periodontal disease. Tooth loss, sores and massive break down of gums and bone structure can occur if periodontal disease is left untreated. Severe cases of periodontitis should be treated by a dentist.

Why Treatment is Important

Treating even the most mild cases of gingivitis and periodontal disease is important to your health. Your teeth and gums are an important part of your all over health. Many health conditions can be triggered by untreated gum diseases. If left untreated, periodontal diseases can cause serious health conditions and even death. Many dentists believe gum disease may be in conjunction with other health conditions such as halitosis, heart disease, coronary artery disease, diabetes, infertility in men, trench mouth and mouth ulcers.

Gingivitis and other periodontal diseases are contagious and can be passed on from person to person. The bacteria found to cause gingivitis and other types of periodontal diseases can be transferred through saliva. To prevent periodontal disease from reaching an untreatable level, brush and floss daily. See your dentist for regular check ups and follow all treatment instructions.