From Gingivitis to Periodontitis: Can You Recognize the Progression of Gum Disease?

Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, is a common and treatable condition marked by inflammation of the gums. It serves as a critical warning sign that your oral health requires immediate attention. Without proper intervention, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that can lead to tooth loss and other significant health issues. Dr. Mitzi Morris, a renowned dentist in Roswell, emphasizes the importance of recognizing the transition from gingivitis to periodontitis to protect your oral health and overall well-being. Here’s how to tell if your gingivitis has escalated and the steps you can take to address it.

Signs Your Gingivitis May Have Progressed to Periodontitis

1. Increased Gum Inflammation: While gingivitis causes mild gum inflammation and redness, periodontitis involves more severe swelling, redness, and bleeding, even during gentle brushing or flossing.
2. Gum Recession: One of the hallmark signs of periodontitis is gum recession, where the gums pull away or recede from the teeth, creating pockets. These pockets can harbor harmful bacteria, leading to further infection and damage.
3. Changes in Bite or Tooth Alignment: As periodontitis progresses, the support structures of the teeth (including bone) can be affected, leading to changes in how your teeth fit together when you bite, or causing your teeth to feel loose.
4. Persistent Bad Breath: While bad breath can be a symptom of gingivitis, chronic bad breath that doesn’t go away with brushing or mouthwash can be a sign of periodontitis, due to the accumulation of bacteria in gum pockets.
5. Pus Between Teeth and Gums: The presence of pus between your teeth and gums is a clear indicator of an advanced infection, signaling that gingivitis has progressed to periodontitis.

Taking Action with Dr. Mitzi Morris

Recognizing these symptoms early and seeking prompt dental care is crucial to preventing the progression of gum disease. Dr. Mitzi Morris and her team in Roswell are equipped with the expertise and technology to diagnose and treat periodontitis effectively, employing a range of services tailored to your specific needs:

• Professional Cleaning and Scaling: Removing plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line is the first step in treating periodontitis. In some cases, a deep-cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing may be necessary.
• Antibacterial Treatments: To combat infection, Dr. Morris may recommend antibacterial mouth rinses or even prescribe oral antibiotics to help eliminate the bacteria causing the disease.
• Laser Gum Therapy: For more advanced cases of periodontitis, laser gum therapy can be an effective, less invasive treatment option to remove diseased tissue and promote healing.
• Ongoing Maintenance and Care: Following initial treatment, regular dental checkups and cleanings become even more important to prevent the recurrence of periodontitis.

Gum Disease Prevention is Key

Preventing gingivitis from progressing to periodontitis is ideally achieved through regular dental hygiene practices, including brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and maintaining routine dental checkups with Dr. Mitzi Morris. Healthy lifestyle choices, such as a balanced diet and quitting smoking, also play a significant role in maintaining gum health.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of gum disease or are concerned about your oral health, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Mitzi Morris in Roswell. With a comprehensive approach to gum disease treatment and a commitment to personalized care, Dr. Morris and her team are dedicated to restoring and maintaining your oral health for a lifetime of beautiful smiles.