Stage 1 periodontitis is treated with a deep cleansing called debridement. Stage 1 periodontitis is not reversible like gingivitis. Improper brushing and flossing allows bacteria to thrive where the teeth meet the gums, and the subsequent buildup of plaque and tartar can cause serious gum infection. Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, can also be caused by smoking.
Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or medications that reduce saliva flow, are also significant risk factors. Periodontal disease occurs in four separate stages, and only the first stage is reversible, the rest will require advanced dental treatments. The treatment of initial periodontal disease begins with training to improve the technique of cleaning the teeth and a thorough cleaning, known as debridement. Debridement is an intensive procedure that removes bacteria and calculus from the gums and roots of the teeth.
Without treatment for initial periodontitis, your condition will progress to stage 2: moderate periodontitis. The main difference between initial and moderate periodontitis is the amount of damage to the ligaments or joints between the root of the tooth and its cavity. Initial periodontitis is when the damage is minor, almost undetectable. Moderate periodontitis should be more obvious to your dental team because there is more damage, which unfortunately is permanent.
Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the world (more than tooth decay), and an estimated 60% of the world's population suffers from some type of gum disease. Gum disease has two main stages. If diagnosed and treated in the first stage, the condition can be reversed and tooth loss can usually be prevented. To prevent gum disease, practice good oral hygiene and visit your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups.
The first stage will be when you are diagnosed with gingivitis. This is a low-level gum disease that can be treated, and some of its symptoms are reversible. However, if you let it go to the later stages, it may not be curable. This stage requires periodontal surgery or periodontal laser therapy to clean the deep pockets filled with bacteria that have formed.
The symptoms of moderate periodontal disease are the same as those of mild periodontal disease, although the probing depths will be deeper, between six and seven millimeters. Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease and the only stage in which periodontal disease can be reversed. The only remedy right now is periodontal surgery or periodontal laser therapy, which will clean the deep pockets of bacteria found under the gums and allow infected tissue to heal. Periodontitis is the name of the most advanced periodontal disease and, if allowed to progress to this point, not only are the gums affected, but the bone structures that support the teeth will be compromised.
