By Aspen Dental
Stages of Gum Disease
According to The American Academy of Periodontology, half of all adults age 30 and older suffer from periodontitis, a serious gum infection. That’s right . . . age 30! If you haven’t visited us within the past six months, you’ve increased your risk of gum disease – and you could be putting your overall health in jeopardy!
Poor oral hygiene is a primary cause of advancing gum disease. Simple steps like brushing twice a day, flossing daily and receiving routine dental exams and regular in-office cleanings can help prevent gum disease.
Gum infections are caused by plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that’s constantly forming on your teeth. Gum Disease is a serious infection that can affect your overall health. Just as you wouldn’t ignore an active infection anywhere else in your body, gum disease needs IMMEDIATE attention! Periodontal disease is caused by the build-up of plaque below your gum line. Daily brushing and flossing aren’t enough to remove this hardened plaque, or calculus. In-office cleanings are the only way to tackle these deposits. The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. Your gums may become red, swollen and bleed easily. At this stage, the disease is reversible and can usually be eliminated by a professional cleaning.
