If you've never heard of periodontitis, you're lucky. It means you most likely haven't had this condition, and that's definitely a good thing. Periodontitis is the advanced stage of gum disease. While many people deal with the early stage, gingivitis, periodontitis is usually only something those with poor oral hygiene develop. It's much more dangerous than gingivitis, though, because it leaves your mouth and body open to major infections.
When Does Gingivitis Become Periodontitis?
If you develop gingivitis but don't seek treatment for it, it's going to spread. Your gums will continue to pull away from your teeth, creating deep pockets in which bacteria gather and multiply. The bone and tissues around your teeth and gums will become infected, too. When it reaches this point, you've gone from gingivitis to periodontitis. The damage is much more widespread now, and it's possible the infection has spread to other parts of your body.
Signs of Periodontitis
You've probably noticed your gums bleed when you brush them or even after eating abrasive foods. This is a sign of gingivitis. The bleeding may continue in periodontitis, but it might actually stop as your gums continue to deteriorate. When you've progressed into this stage of gum disease, you likely have noticed that some of your teeth are loose. You may even lose one or two.
The biggest danger of periodontitis is that it's often a silent disease. If your gums stop bleeding, you may think you've dealt with gingivitis or that it's just gone away on its own. There's usually no pain with periodontitis, either. You may not realize what's happening until you've lost a tooth.
Call Us Today
If you have gingivitis, you need to have it treated as soon as you can before it progresses. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. We'll help you stop this disease and keep your teeth.