Gum Disease: All You Need to Know About the Different Types

Gum disease is a complex dental issue that has two stages. The first stage is gingivitis and the second stage is periodontitis. The disease is caused by a buildup of plaque (a white, sticky film) on the teeth and gumline and the failure to remove that plaque as needed.

Our dentist, Dr. Daniela Zambon, is happy to tell you all about the stages of gum disease on our blog today.

-Gingivitis: Gingivitis is the first stage, and it develops when the plaque is left on the smile, like mentioned before. The plaque irritates the gums and makes them red, swollen and tender. It also makes the gums bleed often and it causes constant bad breath. The treatment available for this stage of gum disease includes a professional dental cleaning.

-Periodontitis: Periodontitis is the second stage, and it develops when the plaque turns into tartar and infects the smile. During this stage, the tartar makes the gums pull away from the teeth and create pockets of infection. Then, the tartar spreads to the underlying bone and starts to wear it down, making it weak and fragile. This causes loose and lost teeth. Treatments available for this stage of gum disease include scaling and root planing, laser therapy, bone and gum grafts and more.

To learn more about the stages of gum disease in Mansfield, Texas, please contact Daniela A. Zambon, DDS, MS, PC today at 817-453-7766. When you reach out to our dental team, we will be happy to help you in any way we can, even if it’s just by answering your questions. We look forward to talking with you!