If you have been told you are in the beginning stages of gum disease, you will want to act quickly and diligently in order to reverse the process. At beginning stages you will be able to turn around gum disease symptoms. If you fail to take care of it early, you are at risk for it advancing to a point where you will need help from your dentist in order to save your teeth. Here is a summary about gingivitis and periodontal disease and the steps you can take to avoid losing your teeth.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the proper term for the beginning stages of gum disease. Gingivitis is when tartar buildup on your teeth pushes its way underneath the gums. You will have an array of symptoms that signify you have gingivitis. These include red, swollen gums and bleeding when you brush your teeth.

If your dentist tells you that you have gingivitis, you will want to increase the frequency of your brushing and flossing. Your dentist may need to scrape some of the tartar from underneath your gums using a small tool. With daily upkeep, you can turn gingivitis around to avoid getting periodontal disease.

Periodontal Disease

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, happens when gingivitis escalates. The tartar under your gums will become so abundant that it will cause the bone holding your teeth in place to deteriorate in an attempt to ward off the intrusion. The roots will become affected first, loosening the teeth in the process. When the bone starts to break down, you will start to lose your teeth.

Methods To Stop Progress

If you get to the point of gum disease, you may be referred to a periodontist to help try to save your teeth. You may need to have a more intense scraping of the tartar under your gums. You may need to have a gum flap surgery in order to remove the tartar. This is when a periodontist will surgically cut your gums to be able to scrape the tartar off of the teeth underneath.

A bone graft may need to be done to help repair the bone underneath. If the bone is strengthened, the teeth may be able to be saved. A root planing procedure may be done to clean off the surfaces the roots holding your teeth in place. If bacteria is removed, the progression may be slower. Tissue graphs may also be done to help build up the gum line if it has receded considerably due to the disease.