{"id":97,"date":"2018-11-01T22:35:39","date_gmt":"2018-11-01T22:35:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.youngfamilydentistry.com\/blog\/?p=97"},"modified":"2018-12-13T22:37:52","modified_gmt":"2018-12-13T22:37:52","slug":"the-stages-of-gum-disease-explained-by-your-dentist-in-joplin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.youngfamilydentistry.com\/blog\/2018\/11\/01\/the-stages-of-gum-disease-explained-by-your-dentist-in-joplin\/","title":{"rendered":"The Stages of Gum Disease Explained by Your Dentist in Joplin"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Did you know gum disease affects over 80% of the US\npopulation at some point in time? Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums\nthat if left untreated, affects the bone that surrounds and supports your\nteeth. Usually caused by plaque buildup as a result of poor oral hygiene, gum\ndisease can infect not only your gums, but your teeth too. In its later stages,\nit can even result in lost teeth. Read on to discover what the stages of gum\ndisease are, the signs to look out for, and how it\u2019s treated by your dentist in\nJoplin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Are the Stages of Gum Disease?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are three stages of this disease:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gingivitis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This early stage of gum disease is caused by plaque buildup\naround the gumline. If you aren\u2019t removing the plaque through daily brushing\nand flossing, the bacteria in plaque will irritate your gums and cause\ngingivitis. During this early stage, gum disease can still be reversed, which\nis why it\u2019s important to catch it early on before it permanently affects your\nbone and connective tissue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Periodontitis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

During this stage, the bone and tissue that holds your teeth\nin place have been permanently damaged. Dental treatment and at-home care can\nprevent further damage, but you may start to see small pockets form that trap\nbacteria below the gumline. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Advanced Periodontitis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Advanced periodontitis is the final stage of gum disease.\nDuring this stage, your teeth begin to shift or loosen because the lack of\nsupportive tissue and bone. If aggressive treatment can\u2019t save them, your teeth\nmay need to be removed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Signs Should I Look For?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Because catching gum disease while it\u2019s still in the\ngingivitis stage means it can be reversed, the key is to catch it early on.\nCheck out these common symptoms of gum disease to stay on top of your oral\nhealth:<\/p>\n\n\n\n