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What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal Disease (also known as Gum Disease) is the leading contributor to tooth loss in adults. It is the most infectious disease in the world and will affect most people at some stage in their lifetime.
There are two main stages of gum disease:
- Gingivitis
- Periodontitis
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease and occurs when dental plaque builds up on teeth, particularly where the gum joins the tooth. The signs of gingivitis are bleeding, redness and swelling of the gum. Gingivitis can generally be treated easily with a strict dental hygiene program prescribed by your Dentist.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is an advanced gum disease that may occur if gingivitis is not treated. If the plaque is not removed, it will harden, (which is then called calculus) worsening the condition and causing pockets between teeth and gums to form.
Bacteria invade the pockets, weakening and destroying the underlying connective tissue and causing the bone to melt away.
Signs of Periodontitis include bleeding, swelling and receding gums together with bad breath, a bad taste in the mouth and loose teeth.
To read more about periodontal disease, please click on the links below:
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Cortés today, please call (212) 262-0950 or click here to email us.
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