Over half of all individuals in the United States have gum disease, often known as periodontal disease. Some people have inflamed gums, while others have tissue and tooth-supporting bone damage. Periodontal disease, if left untreated for too long, will result in tooth loss. For more information, talk to a Denver family dentist today. 

Maintaining good dental health makes it easier to avoid other diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease. Periodontal disease prevention and treatment can help safeguard teeth and gums for a lifetime.

People with periodontal disease have excessive swelling, bleeding, and inflammation in their gums. However, if the illness is not addressed, it may worsen. When severe periodontal disease worsens, they may experience receding gums, loosened teeth, or tooth loss. 

The answer to whether you can live with this sickness is yes. Periodontal disease, in general, does not generate discomfort, which is one of the reasons it progresses to a serious condition. People with periodontitis are usually unaware and will only become aware of it when they notice symptoms or visit their dentist. 

Symptoms of gingivitis and periodontitis 

Healthy gums are pink and firm and should not bleed while brushing or flossing. Every day, the teeth acquire a hard-to-see layer of germs called plaque. This plaque-related bacteria remain on the teeth without proper brushing and may cause irritation and swelling of the gums. Periodontal disease develops in the gums and can spread to the supporting tissues and bone.

Gingivitis is the mildest and first stage of periodontal disease caused by bacterial buildup. It produces symptoms such as chronic foul breath, gum redness and swelling, uncomfortable biting, tooth sensitivity, and gum recession, which causes teeth to seem longer. Gingivitis also causes gum bleeding. Early stages of gingivitis may frequently be reversed by routine flossing and brushing, antiseptic mouthwash, and regular dental cleanings.

Although gingivitis is a non-destructive type of periodontal disease, if left untreated, it can worsen. Over time, the accumulated plaque evolves into tartar, which only expert cleaning can eliminate. Tartar below the gum line can cause the gums to detach from the teeth. The illness can spread to the underlying bone, causing more harm.

Periodontitis is a severe form of periodontal disease. It happens when gingivitis goes untreated an infection takes hold. It can result in tooth loss, painful chewing, further gum separation from teeth, bleeding gums, and other health issues. Periodontitis can eventually destroy the gums, connective tissues, and bones that support the teeth.

Periodontitis symptoms might appear more severe than gingivitis symptoms. Shifting or loosening teeth, changes in how teeth come together when biting, pus between the gums and teeth, bleeding, and changes in how partial dentures fit are all indications.