Watch Gum Disease
Gum disease: the signs, the stages, and how we treat it
Untreated periodontitis is the leading cause of adult tooth loss in the United States. It develops as plaque hardens into tartar at the gumline, which inflames the gums, and over time bacteria attack the bone that anchors the teeth. Because gum disease starts so quietly, some form of it affects more than 75% of adults over 35, and most do not realize it until it is well underway.
The video traces gum disease through its stages. It begins as gingivitis, when gums turn red, swell, and bleed easily. As it advances, gaps called pockets form between the gums and teeth, and other warning signs show up: persistent bad breath, receding gums, and teeth that loosen or shift position.
Catching gum disease early, at a regular checkup, matters greatly. Gingivitis can be reversed, while full periodontal disease, once it develops, can be controlled but not undone. When treatment is needed, the usual first step is a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing, which removes bacteria from below the gumline.
Notice any warning signs? Schedule an evaluation at Modern Essence Dentistry, because the earlier our team steps in, the more of your natural smile we can save. Once treatment wraps up, ongoing periodontal maintenance visits keep the disease from returning.
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Our complete treatment guide covers what to expect, the procedure step by step, recovery, costs, and answers to the questions patients ask most.
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