{"id":142,"date":"2020-01-07T20:23:24","date_gmt":"2020-01-07T20:23:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jerseydentist.com\/blog\/?p=142"},"modified":"2020-09-18T16:57:04","modified_gmt":"2020-09-18T16:57:04","slug":"stages-gum-disease-in-hackettstown","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jerseydentist.com\/blog\/stages-gum-disease-in-hackettstown\/","title":{"rendered":"The 3 Stages of Gum Disease"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"toothpaste<\/a><\/p>\n

You\u2019ve probably heard that having healthy teeth is important, but did you know that having healthy gums is just as crucial? That\u2019s because your gums support your teeth and keep your smile intact. If the health of your gums is compromised by something like gum disease in Hackettstown, it can destroy your smile. That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to be educated about gum disease<\/a>. Continue reading to learn about its three stages and how you can prevent it in the first place.<\/p>\n

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Stage 1: Gingivitis<\/h2>\n

If your gums are tender, red, or puffy, you might have gingivitis. During this first stage of periodontal (gum) disease, your gums become inflamed as an immune response to irritants on the teeth. If plaque is not removed by brushing and flossing every day, it will accumulate near the gumline. Bacteria in plaque will then result in bad breath and inflamed, bleeding gums. The good news is that at this stage, gum disease can usually be reversed with a professional dental cleaning and an improved oral hygiene regimen.<\/p>\n

Stage 2: Periodontitis<\/h2>\n

If gingivitis isn\u2019t dealt with, it progresses into periodontitis. This occurs when bacteria in plaque seep beneath the gums, resulting in an infection in the underlying bone. The infection can erode the jawbone and create pockets between the gums and the teeth. Unfortunately, your toothbrush and floss can\u2019t reach these pockets. The only way to treat periodontitis is with what\u2019s called a dental deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing.<\/p>\n

During this procedure, your dentist will use an ultrasonic cleaning instrument to remove plaque and its hardened form, tartar, from below the gumline. Then, they\u2019ll smooth the rough edges of your tooth roots to prevent bacteria from reattaching to them.<\/p>\n

Stage 3: Advanced Periodontitis<\/h2>\n

At this stage, the pockets around the teeth have become so deep that your teeth have become loose. If you put off treatment for long enough, they may even fall out. This stage of gum disease is associated with an increased risk for other health issues, like heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer\u2019s, and birth complications in pregnant women. Surgical treatment, usually involving laser technology, is required to treat advanced periodontitis.<\/p>\n

How You Can Prevent Gum Disease<\/h2>\n

The best cure for gum disease is prevention. Keep the condition at bay by following these steps:<\/p>\n