The simple daily habit of brushing and flossing has never been more important. Maintaining good oral hygiene not only helps prevent gum disease but also reduces the risks that gum disease can pose to your overall health.
Studies estimate that nearly 75% of Americans have some form of periodontal disease — a condition linked to serious health complications and avoidable dental problems.
There are three main stages of periodontal disease:
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of periodontal disease, caused by the buildup of plaque along the gumline that leads to irritation and inflammation. When daily brushing and flossing are neglected, plaque accumulates and traps harmful bacteria, setting the stage for periodontal disease.
During this stage, the gums become red, swollen, and may bleed when brushing or flossing — signs that inflammation has begun. The good news is that gingivitis is still reversible at this point. The bone and connective fibers that support your teeth have not yet been damaged, so with proper oral hygiene and professional care, your gums can return to a healthy state.
If gingivitis is left untreated, the condition will become periodontitis. At this stage, the supporting bones and fibers that hold your teeth in place have been irreversibly damaged.
Your gums begin to form “pockets,” deep hollow areas around the teeth that trap food, plaque, and bacteria. Your gums will recede and form gaps between your teeth. Immediate treatment is necessary to prevent further damage and tooth loss.
In this final stage, periodontitis has been left untreated and has become advanced periodontitis. Bacteria that were allowed to grow, spread, and cause destruction has destroyed the connective tissues and bones that support the teeth.
The pockets that formed in the previous stage have become much deeper. Your teeth can shift or loosen. Loose teeth that move around in the mouth may affect your bite. In this state, aggressive treatment is needed to save the teeth.