Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a process in which bacteria and plaque induce an inflammatory process of the gums and supporting tissue of the tooth. The signs we notice most often are bad breath and reddened gums.

Untreated gingivitis will progress to periodontitis - the inflammatory responses that involve the supporting bone and tooth root. The end result of periodontitis is loss of the teeth due to loss of supporting bone.

Inflamed gums also provide bacteria with easy access to the blood stream where they can travel to infect major organs such as the heart and kidneys.

Stage 0: Healthy Teeth & Gums

Gum margin flat and pink
Scalloped gum edge against the teeth

Stage 1: Gingivitis

Gum (gingiva) inflamed and swollen
Tartar present
Can be reversed with professional dental cleaning and home dental care

Stage 2: Advanced Gingivitis

Tooth starts to lose support due to bone loss
Bad breath, tartar present, inflamed/swollen gums
Can prevent worsening with professional treatement and home dental care

Stage 3: Periodontitis

Painful mouth, loose teeth, bad breath, tartar present, inflamed/swollen gums
Tooth support worsens due to more bone loss
Professional exam and xrays needed
Advanced treatment is likely with extractions and/or bone grafts needed

Stage 4: Advanced Periodontitis

Gum recession, painful mouth, loose teeth, bad breath, tartar present, inflamed/swollen gums
Tooth extraction required. It is possible that most, if not all, teeth need removed for patient health and comfort.
Advanced bone loss results in little to no tooth support