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 1: Gingivitis
- Redness at the gum margin
- Bad breath
Stage 2: Advanced Gingivitis
- Red, swollen gums
- Plaque and tartar above and below the gum line
Stage 3: Periodontitis
- Red, swollen gums
- Increased amounts of tartar
- Loss of gum attachment to the tooth, which may form a pocket between the tooth and the gums
- Slightly mobile teeth may be present
Stage 4: Advanced Periodontitis
- Marked supporting bone loss
- Loose or missing teeth
- Gum recession

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